HOUSE BILL REPORT

SB 5874

BYSenators Wojahn, von Reichbauer, Johnson, Madsen, Rasmussen, Gaspard, Smitherman, McCaslin, DeJarnatt, Owen, Thorsness and Sutherland

Providing for a maritime commemorative observance.

House Committe on State Government

Majority Report:  Do pass.  (9)

      Signed by Representatives R. Fisher, Chair; Anderson, Vice Chair; McLean, Ranking Republican Member; Hankins, R. King, Morris, O'Brien, Rector and Sayan.

House Staff:Barbara McLain (786-7135)

AS PASSED HOUSE APRIL 4, 1989

BACKGROUND:

The year 1992 marks the bicentennial of a number of maritime events in Washington State, including the discovery of the Columbia River and Grays Harbor by Robert Gray, the discovery of Puget Sound by George Vancouver, and the founding of a Spanish outpost at Neah Bay.

In 1985, the Legislature extended the termination date of the Washington State Centennial Commission from 1990 to 1993, giving the commission the authority to plan a "Return of the Tall Ships" program to commemorate the voyages of Robert Gray, George Vancouver, and Charles Wilkes.  The efforts of the Centennial Commission are to include developing destination tourist attractions and promoting the construction of replicas of the vessels used by early explorers.

The Washington State Historical Society is one of three societies which operate state museums, manage state artifacts, plan celebrations of significant historical events in Washington, and promote Washington state history.

SUMMARY:

The Centennial Commission is to be terminated on June 30, 1990, rather than June 30, 1993, and the statute describing the Centennial Commission's "Return of the Tall Ships" program is repealed.

The Washington State Historical Society is given the responsibility to plan a commemorative celebration of the bicentennial of the maritime accomplishments of Robert Gray and George Vancouver, and the establishment of a Spanish outpost at Neah Bay.

The celebration is to include coordinated activities with the Grays Harbor Tall Ships construction program, museum exhibitions, a maritime commemorative markers program along Washington waterways, and other festivals and symposia.

The society is to create an advisory committee of five citizens and four legislative members to review the commemorative plan and implementation.

Fiscal Note:      Available.

Effective Date:The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    Senator Lorraine Wojahn, prime sponsor; Representative Max Vekich; and David Nicandri, Washington State Historical Society.

House Committee - Testified Against:      Lou Stewart and Les Eldridge, Washington Centennial Commission.

House Committee - Testimony For:    Activities commemorating maritime discoveries and events are distinct from centennial activities and deserve separate recognition.  Greater attention should be paid to Hispanic contributions to Northwest history.  The State Historical Society is an ongoing body with a broad representation and could achieve some economies in carrying out the celebrations.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      While a successful commemoration is necessary, activities beyond those mentioned in the bill should be planned.  The Centennial Commission has a good track record and illustrates the effectiveness of an independent commission in planning celebrations; a new commission should be created for the maritime observances.