HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

293

TWENTY-SEVENTH LEGISLATURE, 2013

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

relating to the state microbe.

 

 

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

 


     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that there are sixteen adopted, designated, and established official symbols of the state of Hawaii.  This number increases to thirty-one when designated flowers and colors of the individual islands are also included.  From the state motto, "ua mau ke ea o ka aina i ka pono," which, translated, means "the life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness," to the state plant, kalo (Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott), these designated symbols are representative of all things unique to the state of Hawaii and its individual islands.  Missing from this group of symbols is an official state microbe.

     In 2012, those who supported the establishment of a state microbe were tasked with finding a new and relevant species that is unique in origin to Hawaii.  Scientists and students joined together in research efforts and studies and collaboratively decided upon Flavobacterium a‘ki‘ a‘.in‘ viv.ens (akiainvivens), which originates from or lives on akia, or endemic shrubs and trees.

     Discovered and named by Iolani School student Iris Kuo in collaboration with Dr. Stuart P. Donachie and Dr. Jimmy Saw of the University of Hawaii at Manoa's department of microbiology; Dr. Durrell D. Kapan and Dr. Kenneth Y. Kaneshiro of the center for conservation and research training; and Stephanie Christensen of the University of Hawaii at Manoa's department of oceanography, this bacterium forms two to three millimeter diameter colonies that range from cream to off-white in color and wet to mucoid in viscosity, and was isolated from decaying Wikstroemia oahuensis collected on the island of Oahu.

     As an organism originating in Hawaii, the legislature further finds that the designation of Flavobacterium a‘ki‘ a‘.in‘ viv.ens as the state microbe will further emphasize the unique nature of our island state. 

     Therefore, the purpose of this Act is to designate Flavobacterium a‘ki‘ a‘.in‘ viv.ens as the official microbe of the state.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 5, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§5-     State microbe.  The Flavobacterium a‘ki‘ a‘.in‘ viv.ens (akiainvivens), originating from or living on akia, or endemic shrubs and trees, is established and designated as the official microbe of the State."

     SECTION 3.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

 

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

State Microbe

 

Description:

Establishes and designates Flavobacterium a‘ki‘ a‘.in‘ viv.ens (akiainvivens) as the official microbe of the State.

 

 

 

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.