HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

2698

TWENTY-NINTH LEGISLATURE, 2018

H.D. 1

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

RELATING TO VETERANS.

 

 

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

 


     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that on April 1, 1917, the American flagged merchant ship SS Aztec was sunk by the Imperial German Navy in the Atlantic Ocean, killing several Hawaii merchant mariners who were among Hawaii's first casualties of World War I.  Following this act of aggression, on April 2, 1917, the President asked the United States Congress for a declaration of war against the German Empire.

     The legislature further finds that on April 6, 1917, the United States of America declared war on the German Empire as an independent power and did not officially join the allies.  This declaration launched the United States into World War I, or as it was known at the time "the Great War".  During this conflict, approximately ten thousand men and women from the Territory of Hawaii volunteered to serve in the Great War.

     The legislature further finds that on April 29, 2015, the governor committed the State to establishing a World War I centennial committee by November 11, 2015.  The legislature believes that it is important to continue to honor the sacrifices of the men and women who served in the Great War, and to remember the suffering and loss of life of all who were involved.

     The purpose of this Act is to appropriate moneys to honor the one-hundredth anniversary of World War I, and the men and women who served in World War I, with programs, ceremonies, and activities, which commenced on April 2, 2017, and will end on November 11, 2018.

     SECTION 2.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $500,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2018-2019 for the purpose of commemorating the one-hundredth anniversary of World War I, and the men and women who served in World War I, with programs, ceremonies, and activities.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the state department of defense for the purpose of this Act.

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2018.



 


 

Report Title:

Veterans; World War I Centennial Commemoration; Appropriation

 

Description:

Appropriates moneys for the commemoration of the centennial anniversary of World War I and the men and women who served in the war.  (HB2698 HD1)

 

 

 

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