THE SENATE	S.C.R. NO.	61
TWENTY-NINTH LEGISLATURE, 2017
STATE OF HAWAII

SENATE CONCURRENT

RESOLUTION

Requesting the Hawaii State Foundation on Culture and the Arts TO establish the hawaii commission on the history and culture of people of african descent.

     WHEREAS, people of African descent have contributed significantly to many phases of Hawaii's development; and

     WHEREAS, the rich culture and proud heritage of people of African descent have been and continue to be positive influences upon life in Hawaii; and

     WHEREAS, the history of people of African descent's contributions to Hawaii is not known or preserved due to lack of understanding and racial divides; and

     WHEREAS, the first African-American President of the United States of America, Barack Obama, was born and raised in Hawaii; and

     WHEREAS, during his tenure as President, President Obama has brought global recognition and admiration for Hawaii's cultural diversity; and

     WHEREAS, recognition of the contributions of people of African descent and their culture is important to the promotion and awareness of Hawaii's diverse and multicultural society; now, therefore,

     BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Twenty-ninth Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2017, the House of Representatives concurring, that the Hawaii State Foundation on Culture and the Arts is requested to establish and temporarily place within the Foundation the Hawaii Commission on the History and Culture of People of African Descent (Commission); and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Commission consist of eleven members to be appointed by the Governor to include:

     (1)  Two members representing the African American Diversity Culture Center Hawaii;

     (2)  Two members representing the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People;

     (3)  One member representing the University of Hawaii; and

     (4)  Six at-large members; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Chair of the Commission shall be selected by a majority vote of the commission members; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the members be reimbursed for necessary expenses, including travel expenses, incurred in the performance of their duties; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Commission may:

     (1)  Research the significance and impact of the experience of people of African descent in Hawaii;

     (2)  Educate residents and visitors to the State about the significance and impact of the experience of people of African descent in Hawaii;

     (3)  Initiate, direct, and coordinate projects and events to further the understanding of the history and culture of people of African descent; and

     (4)  Publish an annual report to the Legislature with recommendations to honor and recognize the contributions of President Obama and people of African descent in Hawaii; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Commission shall cease to exist on June 30, 2019; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Governor and the Executive Director of the Hawaii State Foundation on Culture and the Arts.

OFFERED BY:

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Report Title: 

Requesting the Hawaii State Foundation on Culture and the Arts to establish and temporarily place within the Foundation the Hawaii Commission on the History and Culture of People of African Descent.