Provides funding to establish a host culture charter school district.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that article X, section 4 of the Hawaii state constitution states that the State shall promote the study of Hawaiian culture, history, and language and provide for a Hawaiian education program consisting of language, culture, and history in public schools. The constitution further states that the use of community expertise shall be encouraged as a suitable and essential means in furtherance of the Hawaiian education program. The term "host-culture" is defined as that related to Hawaiian language and culture schools that emphasize ethnic Hawaiian values, language, and culture. As Hawaii is the host, ethnic Hawaiian is therefore the host language and culture.

The purpose of this Act is to provide opportunities to solidify existing host culture-focused charter schools by re-allocating current funding and providing opportunities for additional federal funding with the creation of the host culture charter school district.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ , or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2005-2006, for establishing a noncontiguous host culture charter school district, hiring of necessary staff, and establishing a host culture charter school district council.

SECTION 3. The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of accounting and general services for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2005.