Report Title:

Traditional Hawaiian Knowledge Curriculum; Appropriation

Description:

Appropriates moneys for the development of science curriculum that promotes the knowledge and practices of the sciences in pre-Western contact Hawaii.

THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	1127
TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2007
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to traditional hawaiian knowledge curriculum.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  Contemporary science knowledge tends to be wholly focused on the theory and practice of modern and western society.  Yet, the crew of the Hokulea turned to one of the few remaining open ocean Polynesian navigators before they undertook their first voyage.  Science has been practiced every day by people in sophisticated societies as well as by those in the most primitive societies.  The sciences taught in our schools, especially in the area of ecology, tend to ignore traditional knowledge and practices even when the societies adhering to these practices lived in a more harmonious and symbiotic relationship with their environments than those living in contemporary society.

     The purpose of this Act is to assist in the development of science curriculum that promotes the knowledge and practices of the sciences in pre-Western contact Hawaii prior to 1778.

     SECTION 2.  The office of Hawaiian affairs and the department of education shall execute a grant program to fund the development of science curricula and standards focusing on pre-Western contact Hawaii.  The department shall determine the matching and linking of the curriculum and standards to the present science standards and ensure that the new curricula and standards are reflected in any science tests related to the Hawaii assessment.

     SECTION 3.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $75,000, or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2007-2008, to the office of Hawaiian affairs to be matched with a like amount by the office of Hawaiian affairs to provide for a grant program to individuals and entities who will develop science curricula and standards based on science knowledge and practices in pre‑Western contact Hawaii.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the office of Hawaiian affairs for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2007.

INTRODUCED BY:

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