HI HB1973

Establishes a Hawaiian Language Immersion Program Grant Commission within the Office of Hawaiian Affairs consisting of five members appointed by the governor, with four members selected from lists submitted by the senate president, house speaker, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and Hawaiian Homes Commission.

Authorizes the commission to award grants to state agencies, individuals, and private organizations to support Hawaiian language immersion programs, following standards in section 10-17 of Hawaii Revised Statutes.

Funds grants from an appropriation equal to a specified percentage of total receipts from public trust lands that all state departments and agencies reported receiving in the immediately preceding fiscal year, pursuant to Act 178, Session Laws of Hawaii 2006.

Requires the commission to submit annual reports to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of each regular legislative session detailing grants, activities, findings, and recommendations.

Furthers Article X, Section 4 of the Hawaii State Constitution, which mandates that the state promote Hawaiian culture, history, language, and provide a Hawaiian education program in public schools.