HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.R. NO.

162

THIRTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2022

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

HOUSE RESOLUTION

 

 

requesting the hawaii council for the HUMANITIES, state foundation on culture and the arts, and the hawaii state public library system to collaborate for the establishment of a hawaii state poet laureate program.

 

 


     WHEREAS, Hawaii has a rich and diverse culture that melds the customs, art, history, traditions, and music of Native Hawaiians and the many peoples that comprise the community that is Hawaii; and

 

     WHEREAS, this unique culture is expressed in the mele, oli, and moolelo of the Hawaiian people, and the literature, music, and traditions of the various peoples that have settled in Hawaii; and

 

     WHEREAS, literature and poetry are a way to blend the multicultural voices, languages, and traditions in a manner that promotes dialogue, pride, and understanding within our diverse communities with the world; and

 

     WHEREAS, storytelling and literature strengthen civic responsibility and civic engagement through promoting deep thinking, increased empathy and understanding, and stronger connections to ourselves and each other; and

 

     WHEREAS, the State of Hawaii is committed to the preservation and advancement of culture, the arts, history, and the humanities, especially literature and music; and

 

     WHEREAS, the United States of America provides for the periodic appointment of a poet laureate by the Library of Congress; and

 

     WHEREAS, the Hawaii Council for the Humanities, State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, and Hawaii State Public Library System have the qualifications and expertise to establish a Hawaii State Poet Laureate Program to nurture and connect the various cultures in Hawaii; now, therefore,

 

     BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Thirty-first Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2022, that the Hawaii Council for the Humanities, State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, and Hawaii State Public Library System are requested to collaborate for the purpose of establishing a Hawaii State Poet Laureate Program, which may include:

 

     (1)  The periodic appointment of a Hawaii poet laureate;

 

     (2)  The promotion of reading, writing, and appreciation of poetry;

 

     (3)  Literary, cultural, and poetry workshops for students, communities, and the people of Hawaii; and

 

     (4)  The gathering of writers, poets, storytellers, musicians, and others representing the multi-ethnic cultures of Hawaii to share their experiences and creative works; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts is requested to submit a report of the collaborative efforts initiated for the establishment of a Hawaii State Poet Laureate Program, its findings, recommendations, implementation plan, and any proposed legislation, to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2023; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Executive Director of the Hawaii Council for the Humanities, Executive Director of the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, and State Librarian.

 

 

 

 

OFFERED BY:

_____________________________

 

 

Report Title: 

Hawaii State Poet Laureate Program