Bill > HR114

This Resolution urges the creation of a Native Hawaiian Intellectual Property Working Group, a nine-member body composed of experts in Native Hawaiian law, indigenous intellectual property, or cultural practitioners, with appointments made by the Governor, Speaker of the House, and Senate President based on nominations from various Native Hawaiian organizations and entities. The group's primary purpose is to discuss and develop policies and legislation to protect Native Hawaiian intellectual property, which encompasses traditional knowledge, cultural expressions, and art forms passed down through generations, acknowledging that existing Western intellectual property laws are often inadequate for safeguarding these indigenous rights and have sometimes led to their misuse or misappropriation, as exemplified by the Aloha Poke Co. incident. The working group is tasked with finding solutions to prevent the incorrect appropriation of Native Hawaiian intellectual property, is expected to meet monthly, and must submit its recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the Legislature by early 2025.