THE SENATE	S.R. NO.	63
TWENTY-FIFTH LEGISLATURE, 2009
STATE OF HAWAII

SENATE RESOLUTION

recognizing August 2009 as jan ken po month in hawaii and urging the organization of a statewide grand jan ken po tournament during the month to raise funds to benefit hawaii's public schools.

     WHEREAS, jan ken po, a game played with the fist and fingers, is believed to have been invented in Asia in the late 19th century and acquired worldwide popularity in the 20th century; and

     WHEREAS, in our local community, both young and old alike often play the quick, enjoyable game of jan ken po – also known as the "rock, paper, and scissors" game in the English-speaking world -- to make simple decisions; and

     WHEREAS, as part of its March 2008 annual "Hats Off to American Red Cross" event to raise awareness of the critical importance of the American Red Cross in the community, the Hawaii Red Cross sponsored a jan ken po contest in Tamarind Park; and

     WHEREAS, while the four mayors of the state starred in the main event of the contest, and corporate executives and community leaders and entertainers participated in their own celebrity competition, donations to the Red Cross were collected by off-duty firefighters, police officers, civil defense and military personnel, business and club members, as well as individuals; and

     WHEREAS, especially during these difficult economic times in which even the most necessary government services may be cut or reduced, creative ideas are needed to raise funds for purposes as important as providing a quality education to our children; and

     WHEREAS, a jan ken po tournament similar to that sponsored by the Hawaii Red Cross can be organized to benefit this critical area of need; now, therefore,

     BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Twenty-fifth Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2009, that August 2009 is hereby recognized as Jan Ken Po Month in Hawaii; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this body urges the organization of a World Championship Jan Ken Po Tournament during August 2009 to determine the world jan ken po champion while raising funds to benefit Hawaii's public schools, including coverage of facility repair and maintenance and school supply costs; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that individuals, community organizations, businesses, and government agencies are encouraged to participate in the World Championship Jan Ken Po Tournament; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Governor, Chairperson of the Board of Education, Superintendent of Education, and Chief Executive Officer of The Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii.

OFFERED BY:

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Report Title: 

Jan Ken Po Month; World Championship Jan Ken Po Tournament; Public Schools