SR144

WHEREAS, the State has made national and global impacts that deserve to be celebrated and taught to both visitors and residents; and

WHEREAS, since the beginning of the twentieth century, the State has served as a stage for national and global history such as the events of World War II and landmark judicial rulings such as the Baehr v. Miike, 80 Haw. 341 (1996), decision relating to same-sex marriage; and

WHEREAS, the State was also instrumental as a birthplace of crucial legislation and political progress such as Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, which prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance, and the enactment of Act 97, Session Laws of Hawaii 2015, which establishes a renewable energy portfolio standards target of one hundred percent renewable electric energy by December 31, 2045; and

WHEREAS, presently, other institutions in the State share the histories and stories of Hawaii's history before the modern era, including:

(1) The Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum, also known as the State of Hawaii Museum of Natural and Cultural History, has a primary focus on early Hawaiian history, navigation, and science;

(2) Iolani Palace, which provides a primary focus on the Hawaiian monarchy and overthrow era;

(3) The King Kamehameha V Judiciary History Center, which has a primary focus on educating the public on the judicial process and Hawaii's legal history; and

(4) The State Archives, which has a vast catalogue of historical documents and artifacts such as copies of the Hawaii State Constitution and moon rocks, but no meaningful place to properly exhibit certain items and tell their stories; and

WHEREAS, the establishment of a Museum of Modern Hawaii History will build on the stories and history told by other partner institutions and allow residents and tourists to learn about and reflect upon the State's rich history and global achievements in the modern statehood era; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Thirty-second Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2023, that the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts is requested to establish a task force to develop plans for a Museum of Modern Hawaii History; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force is requested to consist of the following members:

(1) The Executive Director of the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, or their designee, who is requested to serve as chairperson;

(2) The President and Chief Executive Officer of the Hawaii Tourism Authority, or their designee;

(3) The State Archivist, or their designee;

(4) The Chief Justice, or their designee, representing the King Kamehameha V Judiciary History Center;

(5) The chairpersons of the Senate and House of Representatives standing committees whose purview is culture and the arts, or their designees; and

(6) Additional members with appropriate special expertise who are recommended by the members with approval from the chairperson; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Museum of Modern Hawaii History is requested to have the following scope:

(1) Primarily focus on the territorial and statehood eras of Hawaii's history and complement other institutions;

(2) Chronicle Hawaii's significant milestones and events in its history and the leadership that the State has demonstrated with respect to many significant issues facing the nation and the world;

(3) Provide a window into current events and issues; and

(4) Partner with other institutions in Hawaii and abroad to share relevant narratives; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force is requested to submit an annual report of its progress, findings, and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Sessions of 2024, 2025, 2026, and 2027; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force is requested to dissolve on January 2, 2027; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Director of Accounting and General Services, Chief Justice, Executive Director of the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, President and Chief Executive of the Hawaii Tourism Authority, and State Archivist.

	OFFERED BY:	_____________________________

Report Title:

State Foundation on Culture and the Arts; Museum of Modern Hawaii History; Task Force

THE SENATE	S.R. NO.	144
THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2023
STATE OF HAWAII