HB2042 HD1

Report Title:

Hawaiians, Identification, Access to Records

Description:

Creates a task force to explore different options to have access to vital statistic records to prove ancestry. Appropriates funds to be used to receive matching funds. (HB2042 HD1)

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	2042
TWENTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2002		H.D. 1
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

RELATING TO ACCESS TO VITAL STATISTICS.

 

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

SECTION 1. Bills to provide for federal recognition to people of Hawaiian ancestry and to encourage their self-determination and self-government are pending before Congress. It is anticipated that when these bills pass, this will require an enrollment process to identify members of the group and formally indicate the intent to participate in the recognition process. Thus there will have to be some formal kind of identification to substantiate Hawaiian ancestry.

Essential to this process will be the ability of Hawaiians to identify themselves as such through their vital statistics records. These records are kept by the state department of health. Hawaiians will need effective access to and use of vital statistics records, and so additional department staff will need to be hired and money provided to allow for the provision of needed documents without charge.

SECTION 2. (a) There is established a task force within the department of health for administrative purposes. The purpose of the task force is to provide consultation and coordination for access to vital statistics records to prove ancestry.

(b) The task force shall be convened by the department of health no later than August 1, 2002, and shall be composed of, but not limited to, representatives of:

(1) The department of health;

(2) The State Council of Hawaiian Homestead Associations;

(3) The Oahu Council of Hawaiian Civic Clubs;

(4) Ka Lahui Hawaii; and

(5) Ilioulaokalani.

(c) The task force shall be responsible for securing matching funds available through federal grants and public and private Hawaiian trusts.

(d) The task force shall submit a report of findings and recommendations, including recommended legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2002. The task force shall continue until terminated by the director of health.

SECTION 3. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2002-2003 for the office of health status monitoring of the department of health to establish a system to allow people of Hawaiian ancestry to have access to and copies made of their vital statistics records to prove their ethnic identity without charge to them; provided that matching federal funds or funds from public or private sources become available. The department is authorized to hire temporary staff if necessary.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of health for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2002.