S.R. 159 Summary

• Urges the Native Hawaiian Convention to convene a working group to develop recommendations and strategies for creating Hawaiian nationality as a protected class under Hawaii's anti-discrimination laws.

• Proposed definition of "Hawaiian nationals" includes Native Hawaiians with direct lineal ancestry prior to 1778, descendants of Hawaiian Kingdom subjects or citizens prior to July 4, 1894, and all persons born in Hawaii or residents for five continuous years.

• Working group consists of 9 members including representatives from the Native Hawaiian Convention (chair), Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Attorney General, Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, University of Hawaii Law School, and 4 declared Hawaiian nationals with relevant advocacy experience.

• Working group shall examine discrimination against Hawaiian nationals in education, employment, housing, lending, law enforcement, voting rights, jury service, military service, health care, public safety, and licensing.

• Working group must submit findings, recommendations, and proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than 20 days prior to the convening of each Regular Session beginning in 2021 and continuing for three years.