Bill Text: HI HB1947 | 2020 | Regular Session | Amended
Bill Title: Relating To World War Ii Commemoration.
Spectrum: Moderate Partisan Bill (Democrat 11-3)
Status: (Engrossed - Dead) 2020-03-16 - The hearing on this measure has been cancelled until further notice. [HB1947 Detail]
Download: Hawaii-2020-HB1947-Amended.html
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
1947 |
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THIRTIETH LEGISLATURE, 2020 |
H.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO WORLD WAR II COMMEMORATION.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that World War II is a chapter in history that must never be forgotten. Sparked by the 1937 Japanese invasion of China, 1939 Nazi invasion of Poland, and other events, including Japan's 1941 surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, the war dragged on for six years and involved more than thirty countries until the Allies defeated Nazi Germany and Japan in 1945. The significance of the war included the spread of communism from the Soviet Union into eastern Europe as well as its eventual triumph in China, and the global shift in power from Europe to two rival superpowers, the United States and the Soviet Union.
World War II was also historically significant because of the horrific human suffering and deaths involved. The war was the biggest and deadliest in international history, claiming the lives of sixty to eighty million people. An estimated fifty to fifty-five million of the war dead were civilians, including six million Jews -- many murdered in Nazi concentration camps -- during the Holocaust. Sixteen million Americans served in World War II and more than four hundred five thousand died during the war, with over seventy-two thousand Americans unaccounted for to this day.
The legislature further finds that Hawaii played an important role in World War II both geographically and in terms of troop contribution. The December 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor claimed the lives of more than twenty-three hundred military personnel and led Congress to declare war on Japan. Nevertheless, more than twenty thousand Nisei, or second-generation Japanese in the United States, enlisted in the United States Army during the war, despite the prejudice shown by fellow Americans after the Pearl Harbor attack. The 442nd Regimental Combat Team, the most decorated unit in United States military history, was comprised almost exclusively of Nisei, including some well-known Hawaii-based Nisei who later earned numerous honors and distinctions for their public service.
For all of these reasons, the legislature believes that the State must continue to honor the sacrifices of the men and women who served, and remember the suffering and loss of life of all the people involved.
The purpose of this Act is to appropriate moneys to commemorate the seventy-fifth anniversary of the end of World War II, which will be observed on September 2, 2020, with programs, ceremonies, and activities.
SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2020-2021 for the purpose of commemorating the seventy-fifth anniversary of the end of World War II with programs, ceremonies, and activities.
The sum appropriated shall be expended by the state department of defense for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2050.
Report Title:
World War II; 75th Anniversary; Appropriation
Description:
Appropriates funds for programs, ceremonies, and activities commemorating the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II. Effective July 1, 2050. (HD1)
The summary description
of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is
not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
