Appropriates funds to Leeward Community College for a Philippine Studies program and a faculty position.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. The Filipino community has grown significantly since their 1906 arrival in Hawaii and they have made numerous positive contributions in the state. The 2000 census indicates that the Filipino community is one of the largest ethnic groups in the state with thirty-seven per cent of the population identifying themselves as full- or part-Filipino. While public schools and community colleges also report high numbers of Filipinos, the University of Hawaii at Manoa reports only nine per cent of the student body as Filipino. The legislature finds that a need exists to encourage Filipinos to transfer to four-year universities.

A major issue is the availability and stability of a Philippine studies and ethnic studies curriculum related to Filipinos in Hawaii. University of Hawaii's Leeward community college has a student demand as well as the expertise to offer a Philippine studies certificate but does not have a full-time permanent faculty position to provide for stability and continuity. Leeward community college is in an excellent position to establish and implement a Philippine studies program and transfer programs for Filipino students to attend four-year programs, but is unable to do so without program funding.

The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to Leeward community college for a Philippine studies program and one faculty position.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $85,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2006-2007 for one full-time equivalent faculty position and the establishment of a Leeward community college Philippine studies program to include international exchange agreements, community service learning programs, and transfer programs for Filipino students to attend four-year colleges.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by Leeward community college, University of Hawaii, for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2006.