HB1796.DOC

Report Title:

Kupuna Honorary Degree Program; Office of Hawaiian Affairs

Description:

Requires office of Hawaiian affairs to develop and administer the kupuna honorary degree program, which shall award the pohaku degree, intended to be Hawaii's equivalent to the Nobel prizes, to eligible Hawaiian kupuna worldwide.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	1796
TWENTY-FIFTH LEGISLATURE, 2009
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. Chapter 10, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§10‑ Kupuna honorary degree program. (a) The office of Hawaiian affairs shall develop and administer the kupuna honorary degree program, which shall award the pohaku degree, intended to be Hawaii's equivalent to the Nobel prizes, to eligible Hawaiian kupuna.

(b) The pohaku degree shall be awarded in the following categories according to minimum age requirements to be determined by the kupuna komike created in subsection (c):

(1) Religion;

(2) Health;

(3) Agriculture;

(4) Fishing;

(5) Crafts and weaving;

(6) Celestial navigation;

(7) Education;

(8) Government;

(9) Business;

(10) Performing arts, including hula and chant;

(11) Fine arts; and

(12) Music.

(c) The office shall establish the kupuna komike, which shall establish standards for award of the degree, which shall include at least the following:

(1) Contributions to the community; and

(2) Qualifying age for varying categories of degrees.

(d) The kupuna komike shall award to eligible Hawaiian kupuna the pohaku degree, which shall not be restricted to the State of Hawaii, but shall be awarded to individuals worldwide.

(e) The office and the kupuna komike may provide for a financial prize to be awarded to each pohaku degree recipient."

SECTION 2. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________