The Congresswoman Patsy T. Mink Commission was established by the Hawaii Legislature
(Act 92, SLH 2006), effective July 1, 2006, to honor and recognize Congresswoman Mink, who died on September 28, 2002, after a long and illustrious public career serving the people of Hawaii in the Hawaii territorial house (1956-58), Hawaii territorial senate (1958-59), Hawaii state senate (1962-64), Honolulu City Council (1983-87), and United States House of Representatives (1965-77; 1990-2002).

Act 92, SLH 2006 was first introduced on January 25, 2006, by Senators Shan S. Tsutsui, Rosalyn H. Baker, J. Kalani English, and Gary L. Hooser. It passed both houses on May 2, 2006, and was signed into law (S.B. No. 3111, C.D. 1) by Governor Linda Lingle on May 11, 2006. A legislative history is available on the Hawaii State Legislature’s Web site.

The Congresswoman Patsy T. Mink Commission is attached to the Governors Office and receives administrative support from the Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS).  It is a temporary commission, and according to S.B. No. 3111, C.D. 1, shall cease to exist after December 31, 2009.

The Commission’s fourteen members, representing various groups and interests, are appointed by the governor, speaker of the house of representatives, president of the senate, Maui county council, Honolulu city council, Kauai county council, and Hawaii county council.

The Commission’s purpose is to:

• Research and recommend how the State can best honor Congresswoman Patsy T. Mink.
• Submit to the legislature written reports of its recommendations and/or activities.

The Commission’s reports may include (1) a summary outlining the development, planning, and coordination of the various program activities to be scheduled in honor of Congresswoman Patsy T. Mink; (2) an identification of a nonprofit organization that will be responsible for any moneys received or expended for honoring Congresswoman Patsy T. Mink; and (3) a detailed plan on how to execute its recommendations.

The Act establishing the Commission further provides that:

• The Commission may seek grants from public and private sources and may accept donations to finance the projects, programs, and activities of the Commission.
• All property acquired by the Commission shall be deposited for preservation in the Hawaii State public Library system, museums, and public archives or shall otherwise be disposed of as directed by the Commission.
• At the end of the Commission’s term on December 31, 2009, the Commission shall submit a final report of its activities to the Governor and 2010 Legislature, which shall include, as applicable, an accounting of all moneys received and disbursed and a description of the production, publication, or distribution of books, films, educational materials, conferences, conventions, lectures, traveling exhibitions, special ceremonies, theatrical productions, or other events celebrating and honoring the life and experiences of Congresswoman Mink.