SR 38: sUPPORTING the native hawaiian intellectual property working group's request for resources and timeline extension for fiscal year 2025-2026.

SENATE RESOLUTION

sUPPORTING the native hawaiian intellectual property working group's request for resources and timeline extension for fiscal year 2025-2026.

     WHEREAS, the State has a unique constitutional mandate under Article XII, Section 7, to protect and preserve the rights of Native Hawaiians, including cultural and traditional rights, making the preservation of Native Hawaiian intellectual property a responsibility of the State; and

     WHEREAS, the Native Hawaiian Intellectual Property Working Group ("Working Group") was established by H.C.R. No. 108, H.D. 1, S.D. 1 (2023), to address the complexities of protecting Native Hawaiian intellectual property, with a composition that includes representatives from respected Native Hawaiian organizations, including the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation, Ka Huli Ao Center for Excellence in Native Hawaiian Law, Kāhuli Leo Leʻa, ʻIhikapalaumaewa Foundation, Kawaihuelani Center for Hawaiian Language, and Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs; and

     WHEREAS, the Working Group is tasked with creating and developing solutions to prevent Native Hawaiian intellectual property from being incorrectly appropriated and is requested to submit its recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the Legislature no later than forty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2025; and

     WHEREAS, the Working Group requires additional time and resources to conduct culturally appropriate community consultations, which are critical for ensuring that solutions reflect the collective aspirations, insights, and concerns of Native Hawaiians; and

     WHEREAS, extending resources to the Working Group aligns with the State's commitment to reconciliation and justice for Native Hawaiian people by actively supporting their self-determination and control over cultural assets; and

     WHEREAS, studies have shown that indigenous communities that retain control over their cultural resources experience greater economic stability, community resilience, and cultural vibrancy, all of which are essential to the well-being of Native Hawaiian communities; and

     WHEREAS, the State's economy benefits from Hawaiian culture as a central part of its tourism industry, with $4,800,000,000 in gross domestic product deriving from Hawaii's creative industries, making it imperative to preserve the integrity of Native Hawaiian intellectual property to ensure cultural authenticity and respect; and

     WHEREAS, this body acknowledges the importance of this mission and the complexity of the work, which requires sufficient time and resources to ensure thorough and meaningful outcomes for the Native Hawaiian community; now, therefore,

     BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2025, that this body supports the Native Hawaiian Intellectual Property Working Group's request for resources and timeline extension for fiscal year 2025-2026; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a certified copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the Chairperson of the Native Hawaiian Intellectual Property Working Group.

Report Title: 

Native Hawaiian Intellectual Property Working Group; Request