HI SCR119

Urges the University of Hawaii at Manoa to fund and fill the vacant African American Studies faculty tenure line position at the College of Social Sciences.

Notes that the African American Studies tenure line was transferred out of the Department of Ethnic Studies due to position sweeps and budget cuts.

Recognizes African American historical contributions to Hawaii, including Barack Obama and Alice Ball, who earned the first master's degree by a woman and African American at the University of Hawaii in 1915.

Requests the University of Hawaii at Manoa report to the Legislature on the status and plans regarding this position no later than twenty days before the 2017 Regular Session convenes.

Directs certified copies be transmitted to the University of Hawaii President, NAACP Honolulu Branch, and student organizations including the Ethnic Studies Student Association and Afrocentric Society at UH Manoa.