THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	733
THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2023		S.D. 1
STATE OF HAWAII		H.D. 1

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO HAWAIIAN CULTURE.

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

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that native Hawaiian culture is the foundation of all aspects of life in Hawaii. This culture influences Hawaii's government, businesses, tourism industry, families, and individuals. The legislature recognizes that despite the prevalence of this cultural foundation, there are no public spaces dedicated to the practice and perpetuation of Hawaiian culture and believes that Native Hawaiian cultural centers may serve as places where residents and visitors may learn about Hawaiian culture, history, tradition, and practices.

The purpose of this Act is to require and appropriate funds for the office of Hawaiian affairs to conduct a study to determine the feasibility of establishing Native Hawaiian cultural centers within the State.

SECTION 2. (a) The office of Hawaiian affairs shall conduct a study to determine the feasibility of establishing Native Hawaiian cultural centers within the State that:

(1) Focus on elevating and uplifting the Native Hawaiian people;

(2) Are dedicated to Hawaiian culture and history, emphasizing the particular geographic location of the center;

(3) Contain static and interactive displays and exhibits;

(4) Offer classes in Hawaiian chanting, dancing, music, language, and other cultural practices on a regular, ongoing basis; and

(5) Serve as a place where the public may gather and hold celebrations.

(b) The study shall examine and determine, at minimum, the following:

(1) The estimated costs and potential sources of funding for the planning, design, and construction of the Native Hawaiian cultural centers;

(2) The number of centers that could or should be constructed and potential sites for the centers;

(3) The intended and allowable uses of the centers;

(4) Any legislation that may be necessary for the establishment or operation of the centers; and

(5) Potential permanent sources of funding for operation of the centers.

(c) No later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2024, the office of Hawaiian affairs shall submit to the legislature a report of the findings of the feasibility study to include, at minimum, the items listed in subsection (b), along with the office of Hawaiian affairs' recommendation on whether it is feasible or advisable to establish Native Hawaiian cultural centers and, if so, under what conditions or parameters.

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 2023-2024 for the office of Hawaiian affairs to conduct a feasibility study pursuant to section 2 of this Act.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the office of Hawaiian affairs for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on June 30, 3000.

Report Title:

OHA; Native Hawaiian Cultural Centers; Feasibility Study; Appropriation

Description:

Requires the office of Hawaiian affairs to conduct a feasibility study on establishing Native Hawaiian cultural centers within the State. Requires the Office to submit a report of its study findings and recommendations to the legislature. Appropriates funds for the study. Effective 6/30/3000. (HD1)

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