RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Hawaii has a rich cultural and historical heritage that should be shared with as many residents and visitors as possible; and

WHEREAS, there are many historical sites and places that tell the story of a particular group of people or of a significant place, such as Hawaii's Plantation Village, Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii, Mission Houses, Battleship Missouri, and Hawaii Maritime Center; and

WHEREAS, these places of information tell a story from a specific perspective, each contributing to the diverse history of Hawaii, much like a single "spoke" that is only a part of Hawaii's history and culture; and

WHEREAS, there is no single institution, however, that is a hub for these spokes, providing a comprehensive perspective on the history of the various peoples, cultures, and places that characterize our island home; and

WHEREAS, a centralized institution from which residents and visitors could find a connection and direction to the various "spokes" would further an appreciation for our rich and diverse communities and be of great benefit; and

WHEREAS, although the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum is designated the State of Hawaii Museum of Natural and Cultural History, a new site such as a Hawaii State History Museum could serve as a centralized gathering point; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2006, the Senate concurring, that the Department of Land Natural Resources is requested to create a Hawaii State History Museum for the benefit of all residents and visitors of Hawaii; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Land and Natural Resources is requested to submit a report to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2007, including the Department's plan for the establishment, implementation, operation, and maintenance of a Hawaii State History Museum; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a certified copy of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources.

Report Title:

Hawaii State History Museum; DLNR