2025 Hawaiʻi State Legislature and the SFCA

January 28, 2025

Nine measures have been introduced for the 2025 Hawaiʻi State Legislature session regarding the Hawaiʻi State Foundation on Culture and the Arts. The table below will be updated throughout the session. For the most current information, please check the Hawaiʻi State Legislature website, capitol.hawaii.gov.

MeasureAboutHearingSFCA Position
HB450 / SB582 Relating to DBEDTTransfers the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts and the King Kamehameha Celebration Commission from the Department of Accounting and General Services to the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism. Transfers the authority held by the Comptroller over the Works of Art Special Fund to the Director of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism. Companion SB582.HB450 01/29/2025 10:30 a.m., room 309 and videoconference via YouTube.
SFCA comments: HB450 testimony.

SB582 Thursday 02/13/2025 1:00 p.m., room 423 and videoconference via YouTube.
Comments
HB1299 / SB1236 Relating to the Works of Art Special FundSpecifies that the works of art special fund’s one per cent transfer requirement shall apply only to capital improvement appropriations for the original construction of state buildings. Amends the authority for funds from the works of art special fund to be used only for costs related to the acquisition of works of art. Appropriates funds. Companion SB1236.Oppose
HB1378 / SB1577 Relating to the SFCAEstablishes the Performing Arts Grants Program to support performing arts in the State. Clarifies the scope of the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts’ responsibilities to include the coordination, planning, promotion, marketing, and execution of performing arts events. Allows the use of moneys from the Works of Art Special Fund for performing arts. Appropriates funds to provide grants under the Performing Arts Grants Program.HB1378 Friday, 02/07/2025, 10:00 a.m., room 309 and videoconference via YouTube. The committee(s) on CAA recommend(s) that the measure be deferred until 02-12-2025.

SFCA, State Attorney General, DBEDT comments and public testimony: HB1378 testimony (PDF).

HB1378 Wednesday 02/12/25, 3:01 p.m., room 224 and videoconference via YouTube.
Support
SB441 Relating to the Hawaii Symphony OrchestraDesignates the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra as the State of Hawaii Symphony Orchestra. Requires annual reports to the Legislature. Appropriates moneys.SB441 Tuesday, 2/11/25, 3:01 p.m., conference room 224 and videoconference via YouTube.Comments
SB1011 Hawaii Leadership Awards ProgramEstablishes the Hawaii Leadership Awards Program to honor individuals who have made considerable and outstanding contributions to Hawaii and serve as inspirations to others.SB1011 Tuesday, 2/11/25, 3:01 p.m., conference room 224 and videoconference via YouTube.Support
SB1581 Hawaii-Japan Pacific Peace MonumentEstablishes a Hawaii-Japan Pacific Peace Monument to be developed by the State Foundation on Culture and appropriate stakeholders representing Hawaii and Japan. Appropriates funds.SB1581 Tuesday, 2/11/25, 3:01 p.m., conference room 224 and videoconference via YouTube.Support

Resources

Photo: view of the Hawaiʻi State Capitol building. Photo credit: Mark Galacgac.

Edits

  • January 29, 2025: Added link to SFCA testimony on HB450.
  • January 30, 2025: Added links to Hawaiʻi Arts Alliance action alerts from January 24 and 29, 2025.
  • February 5, 2025: Added hearing information for HB1378.
  • February 6, 2025: Added position information to measures.
  • February 7, 2025: Added outcome of hearing for HB1378. Added hearing schedule for SB582.
  • February 10, 2025: Added upcoming hearing information.

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