The Mission
The California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs (CAPIAA) elevates the political, economic, and social issues of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders by contributing to and strengthening how state government addresses the needs, issues, and concerns of the diverse and complex Asian American and Pacific Islander American communities.
The Charge
- Advise the Governor and Legislature on how to respond most effectively to views, needs, and concerns of the state’s Asian and Pacific Islander American communities.
- Assist the state in being an effective liaison and conducting outreach with Asian and Pacific Islander American communities through information dissemination about Asian and Pacific Islander American communities concerning public and private programs beneficial to their interests.
- Examine issues of access and cultural language sensitivity by state agencies, departments, and commissions.
- Provide assistance to policymakers and state agencies in identifying Asian and Pacific Islander American communities’ needs and issues and develop appropriate responses and programs.
- Educate the public about hate crimes against Asian and Pacific Islander American communities.
The Story
Former Assembly member George Nakano (Torrance) authored Assembly Bill (AB) 116 in 2002 to establish the commission, with members of the Asian Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus (APILC) co-authoring the bill. The concept for the commission originated from strong community support and advocacy. The commission’s creation is a historic recognition of the accomplishments and needs of California’s growing Asian American Native Hawai‘ian Pacific Islander (AANHPI) populations.
Learn more
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Statute on Commission
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ByLaws
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Become a Commissioner
- Governor Appointments
- Speaker of the Assembly Appointments
- Senate President Pro Tempore Appointments – Call Senate Appointments Office at 916-651-4151