Report Title:

Project Graduation; Schools

 

Description:

Makes an appropriation for all public high schools hosting Project Graduation festivities, or all-night, post-commencement, alcohol- and drug-free celebrations.

 

THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

833

TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2007

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR PROJECT GRADUATION.

 

 

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

 

    SECTION 1.  The legislature has a duty to protect Hawaii's youth from the severe and negative consequences of alcohol and drug abuse.  Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to encourage alcohol-free and drug-free graduation celebrations by appropriating funds for continued "Project Graduation" events.

    The concept of "Project Graduation" began in Maine in 1980 to combat the high instance of alcohol-related fatalities and injuries among teenage drivers, particularly during the high school graduation season.  "Project Graduation" was conceived as an all-night, alcohol- and drug-free, post-commencement festivity during which graduates celebrate spiritedly and safely.  Over the years, traffic safety advocates have helped the idea proliferate, and now similar "Project Graduation" celebrations are held annually throughout the fifty states.  In June 1990, Roosevelt High School became the first Oahu public high school to conduct a "Project Graduation" event.  Last year, thirty-six out of forty-four public high schools hosted their own "Project Graduation" here in Hawaii.    

    SECTION 2.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $132,000, or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2007‑2008, and the same sum, or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2008-2009, from which to allocate a one-time grant of $3,000 to help defray costs incurred by each public high school staging an alcohol- and drug-free, post-commencement, all-night celebration known as "Project Graduation."

    SECTION 3.  The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of education for the purposes of this Act.

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

 

INTRODUCED BY:

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