SB2761 HD1

Report Title:

Vital Statistics; Ancestry

 

Description:

Creates a task force to explore different options to have access to vital statistic records to prove ancestry. (SB2761 HD1)

THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2761
TWENTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2002		S.D. 2
STATE OF HAWAII		H.D. 1

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

RELATING TO VITAL STATISTICS.

 

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

SECTION 1. Congress is considering bills providing federal recognition of people of Hawaiian ancestry and encouraging their self-determination and self-government. It is anticipated that when federal legislation passes, an enrollment process will be required to identify individuals of Hawaiian ancestry and to verify their intent to participate in the recognition process. Thus, a formal identification process will be needed to substantiate Hawaiian ancestry.

Hawaiians must be able to confirm their ancestry through vital statistics records. These records are kept by the department of health. Since Hawaiians will need effective access to and use of vital statistics records, additional staff and funding are needed to provide 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 consist of members appointed by the governor. The task force shall convene no later than August 1, 2002. Members shall be composed of but not limited to representatives of:

(1) The department of health;

(2) The department of Hawaiian home lands;

(3) The office of Hawaiian affairs;

(4) Hawaii's congressional delegation;

(5) Kamehameha Schools;

(6) The State Council of Hawaiian Homestead Associations;

(7) The Oahu Council of Hawaiian Civic Clubs;

(8) Ka Lahui Hawaii; and

(9) 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 2003.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2002, and shall be repealed on June 30, 2003.