HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

1796

TWENTY-FIFTH LEGISLATURE, 2009

H.D. 1

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

RELATING TO KUPUNA HONORARY DEGREE PROGRAM.

 

 

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

 


     SECTION 1.  Chapter 10, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§10‑    Kupuna honorary degree program.  (a)  The office of Hawaiian affairs may develop and administer the kupuna honorary degree program, which shall award the pohaku degree, intended to be Hawaii's equivalent to the Nobel Prize, to eligible Hawaiian kupuna.

     (b)  The pohaku degree shall be awarded in the following categories according to minimum age requirements to be determined by the kupuna komike created in subsection (c):

     (1)  Religion;

     (2)  Health;

     (3)  Agriculture;

     (4)  Fishing;

     (5)  Crafts and weaving;

     (6)  Celestial navigation;

     (7)  Education;

     (8)  Government;

     (9)  Business;

    (10)  Performing arts, including hula and chant;

    (11)  Fine arts; and

    (12)  Music.

     (c)  The office shall establish the kupuna komike, which shall establish standards for award of the degree, which shall include at least the following:

     (1)  Contributions to the community; and

     (2)  Qualifying age for varying categories of degrees.

     (d)  The kupuna komike shall award to eligible Hawaiian kupuna the pohaku degree, which shall not be restricted to the State of Hawaii, but shall be awarded to individuals worldwide.

     (e)  The office and the kupuna komike may provide for a financial prize to be awarded to each pohaku degree recipient."

     SECTION 2.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.



 

Report Title:

Kupuna Honorary Degree Program; Office of Hawaiian Affairs

 

Description:

Requires office of Hawaiian affairs to develop and administer the kupuna honorary degree program, which may award the pohaku degree, intended to be Hawaii's equivalent to the Nobel Prize, to eligible Hawaiian kupuna worldwide.  (HB1796 HD1)

 

 

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