Report Title:

Korean War 50th Anniversary Commemoration

Description:

Re-establishes and appropriates funds to the 50th Anniversary Commemoration of the Korean War Commission.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

2234

TWENTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2002

H.D. 1

STATE OF HAWAII

 


 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

relating to the fiftieth anniversary commemoration of the korean war commission.

 

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

SECTION 1. In 1999, the governor issued an executive order to establish the fiftieth anniversary commemoration of the Korean War commission to honor the men and women who served in Korea for their struggles and sacrifices under trying circumstances in service to their country and the cause of freedom. Many activities are scheduled to take place through 2003, including a Korean War veterans reunion and several commemoration ceremonies. The commission was scheduled for termination on or before the last day of the regular session of 2001.

The purpose of this Act is to re-establish the fiftieth anniversary commemoration of the Korean War commission and appropriate funds to carry out its mission.

SECTION 2. There is established a temporary commission to be known as the fiftieth anniversary commemoration of the Korean War commission, which shall have charge of all arrangements for the commemoration of the fiftieth anniversary of the Korean War. The commission shall be placed within the department of defense for administrative purposes and shall cease to operate after December 31, 2003.

SECTION 3. The commission shall consist of not more than eleven voting members appointed by the governor and shall represent the Korean War veterans organizations, the Korean community, the families of Korean War veterans, the active military stationed in Hawaii, and the state department of defense.

The members shall not receive compensation for their services but shall be reimbursed for necessary expenses, including travel expenses, incurred in the performance of their duties under this Act.

Any member of the commission shall be immune from civil liability for any act done in connection with the performance of their duties as provided in section 26-35.5, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

SECTION 4. The commission shall:

(1) Gather information regarding the identity of Korean War veterans and their families, especially those who lost their loved ones during the war;

(2) Recommend to the department of defense how Hawaii can identify, thank, and honor Korean War veterans and their families, especially those who lost their loved ones during the war;

(3) Recognize and remember the prisoners of war and those missing in action;

(4) Recognize the many contributions of women and minorities to the nation during the Korean War;

(5) Provide the public with a clearer understanding and appreciation of the lessons, history, and legacy of the war and the military's contribution in maintaining world peace and freedom;

(6) Remember the forces engaged in preserving the peace, freedom, and prosperity of the Republic of Korea; and

(7) Strengthen the bonds of friendship and international relationships throughout the world by focusing on the twenty-two countries that fought as allies.

SECTION 5. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $1 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2002-2003 to carry out the functions of the fiftieth anniversary commemoration of the Korean War commission.

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

SECTION 6. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2002.