HB 1860: State of Hawaii Symphony Orchestra; State Foundation on Culture and the Arts; Designation; Funding; Reports
- Session Year: 2025-2026
- House: House
- Latest Version Date: 2026-03-25
Current Status:
Passed
(2026-06-05: Act 098, on 06/05/2026 (Gov. Msg. No. 1198).)
Introduced
In Committee
First Chamber
In Committee
Second Chamber
Final Decking
Enacted
Designates the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra as the State of Hawaii Symphony Orchestra. Requires annual reports to the Legislature. Exempts state funds received by the State of Hawaii Symphony Orchestra from chapter 42F, Hawaii Revised Statutes. (SD1)
Designates the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra as the State of Hawaii Symphony Orchestra. Requires annual reports to the Legislature. Exempts state funds received by the State of Hawaii Symphony Orchestra from chapter 42F, Hawaii Revised Statutes. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)
Designates the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra as the State of Hawaii Symphony Orchestra. Requires annual reports to the Legislature. Exempts state funds received by the State of Hawaii Symphony Orchestra from chapter 42F, Hawaii Revised Statutes. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Designates the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra as the State of Hawaii Symphony Orchestra. Requires annual reports to the Legislature. Appropriates moneys.
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
1860 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
H.D. 2 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
S.D. 1 |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO THE HAWAII SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
The legislature further finds that the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1900 to establish and operate a professional symphony orchestra in the State. The symphony hosts shows and programs featuring musicians and performing artists from around the world, in addition to promoting local talent within the State.
The legislature notes that Act 382, Session Laws of Hawaii 1987 (Act 382), established the Honolulu symphony endowment fund to provide financial support to the Honolulu Symphony. The legislative history of Act 382 stated that the Honolulu Symphony was a major cultural resource of the State and was deserving of the support provided by Act 382. In Act 258, Session Laws of Hawaii 1988, the name of the Honolulu symphony endowment fund was changed to the State of Hawaii endowment fund. Subsequently, Act 175, Session Laws of Hawaii 1995, clarified that the income and capital gains of the State of Hawaii endowment fund were to be used for the production of music by an Oahu-based symphony orchestra.
The legislature further finds that the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra has suffered through financial instability throughout the last twenty years, including filing for bankruptcy and liquidating its assets for auction. In 2011, a small group of supporters, donors, and musicians revived the orchestra as it is known today, the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra, with the mission to reach out to the community through music. The legislature further notes that the Orchestra heavily relies on donations, concert ticket sales, and some state funding to fund its operations.
The legislature recognizes that the State has a certain responsibility to the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra for the public services it provides. The legislature notes that designating the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra as the "State of Hawaii Symphony Orchestra" will enable the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra to regularly obtain state funds to help cover its general operating costs in exchange for other services to the State, to be mutually negotiated.
The legislature finds that the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra has served and continues to serve a public purpose through free performances at parks and outdoor community centers, education concerts, showcasing young musicians, and performing side-by-side with the Hawaii Youth Symphony, as well as providing free admission for public school faculty, staff, and students to attend shows through department of education programs. These community program initiatives exemplify the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra's service and dedication to the public. The legislature concludes that exempting appropriations of state general revenues to the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra from the requirements of chapter 42F, Hawaii Revised Statutes, complies with the public purpose requirement of article VII, section 4, of the Hawaii State Constitution.
Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to designate the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra as the "State of Hawaii Symphony Orchestra" and exempt state funds it receives from chapter 42F, Hawaii Revised Statutes.
SECTION 2. Chapter 9, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part I to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§9- Hawaii Symphony Orchestra; designation; funding. (a) The Hawaii Symphony Orchestra shall be designated the State of Hawaii Symphony Orchestra.
(b) The qualifying standards and conditions related to the receipt of funds contained in chapter 42F shall not apply to funds received by the State of Hawaii Symphony Orchestra; provided that if the State of Hawaii Symphony Orchestra, in turn, contracts with a recipient or provider, then the qualifying standards, conditions, and other provisions of chapter 42F shall apply to the recipient or provider and the contract.
(c) The designation of the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra as the State of Hawaii Symphony Orchestra shall not impinge on the autonomy of the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra, nor imply state control over its programs or policies, except as specifically provided in this section.
(d) The comptroller and legislative auditor may examine the use of any state funds appropriated pursuant to this section and shall report any findings to the legislature.
(e) The president and chief executive officer of the State of Hawaii Symphony Orchestra shall provide a report to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of each regular session. At a minimum, the annual report shall include an explanation of the operations, maintenance, and other functions accomplished using state fund expenditures in the previous fiscal year."
SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
Report Title:
State of Hawaii Symphony Orchestra; State Foundation on Culture and the Arts; Designation; Funding; Reports
Description:
Designates the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra as the State of Hawaii Symphony Orchestra. Requires annual reports to the Legislature. Exempts state funds received by the State of Hawaii Symphony Orchestra from chapter 42F, Hawaii Revised Statutes. (SD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
1860 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
H.D. 2 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO THE HAWAII SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
The legislature further finds that the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1900 to establish and operate a professional symphony orchestra in Hawaii. The symphony hosts shows and programs featuring musicians and performing artists from around the world, in addition to promoting local talent within Hawaii.
The legislature notes that Act 382, Session Laws of Hawaii 1987 (Act 382), established the Honolulu symphony endowment fund to provide financial support to the Honolulu Symphony. The legislative history of Act 382 stated that the Honolulu Symphony was a major cultural resource of Hawaii and was deserving of the support provided by Act 382. In Act 258, Session Laws of Hawaii 1988, the name of the Honolulu symphony endowment fund was changed to the State of Hawaii endowment fund. Subsequently, Act 175, Session Laws of Hawaii 1995, clarified that the income and capital gains of the State of Hawaii endowment fund were to be used for the production of music by an Oahu-based symphony orchestra.
The legislature further finds that the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra has suffered through financial instability throughout the last twenty years, including filing for bankruptcy and liquidating its assets for auction. In 2009, a small group of supporters, donors, and musicians revived the orchestra as it is known today, the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra, with the mission to reach out to the community through music. The legislature further notes that the Orchestra heavily relies on donations, concert ticket sales, and some state funding to fund its operations.
The legislature recognizes that the State has a certain responsibility to the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra for the public services it provides. The legislature notes that designating the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra as the "State of Hawaii Symphony Orchestra" will enable the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra to regularly obtain state funds to help cover its general operating costs in exchange for other services to the State, to be mutually negotiated.
The legislature finds that the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra has served and continues to serve a public purpose through free performances at parks and outdoor community centers, education concerts, showcasing young musicians, and performing side-by-side with the Hawaii Youth Symphony, as well as providing free admission for public school faculty, staff, and students to attend shows through department of education programs. These community program initiatives exemplify the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra's service and dedication to the public. The legislature concludes that exempting appropriations of state general revenues to the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra from the requirements of chapter 42F, Hawaii Revised Statutes, complies with the public purpose requirement of article VII, section 4, of the Hawaii State Constitution.
Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to designate the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra as the "State of Hawaii Symphony Orchestra"; exempt state funds it receives from chapter 42F, Hawaii Revised Statutes; and appropriate funds for its general operating costs.
SECTION 2. Chapter 9, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part I to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§9- Hawaii Symphony Orchestra; designation; funding. (a) The Hawaii Symphony Orchestra shall be designated the State of Hawaii Symphony Orchestra.
(b) The qualifying standards and conditions related to the receipt of funds contained in chapter 42F shall not apply to funds received by the State of Hawaii Symphony Orchestra; provided that if the State of Hawaii Symphony Orchestra, in turn, contracts with a recipient or provider, then the qualifying standards, conditions, and other provisions of chapter 42F shall apply to the recipient or provider and the contract.
(c) The designation of the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra as the State of Hawaii Symphony Orchestra shall not impinge on the autonomy of the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra, nor imply state control over its programs or policies, except as specifically provided in this section.
(d) The comptroller and legislative auditor may examine the use of any state funds appropriated pursuant to this section and shall report any findings to the legislature.
(e) The president and chief executive officer of the State of Hawaii Symphony Orchestra shall provide a report to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of each regular session. At a minimum, the annual report shall include an explanation of the operations, maintenance, and other functions accomplished using state fund expenditures in the previous fiscal year."
SECTION 3. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the general operating costs of the State of Hawaii Symphony Orchestra, including:
(1) Operations and maintenance; and
(2) Any advice, consultations, or services provided free of charge to state agencies, including:
(A) Free admission for public school faculty, staff, and students who attend shows through department of education programs; and
(B) Consultants for purposes of setting standards in the symphony's educational programming and public activities.
The sum appropriated shall be expended by the state foundation on culture and the arts for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 4. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.
Report Title:
State of Hawaii Symphony Orchestra; State Foundation on Culture and the Arts; Designation; Funding; Appropriation
Description:
Designates the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra as the State of Hawaii Symphony Orchestra. Requires annual reports to the Legislature. Exempts state funds received by the State of Hawaii Symphony Orchestra from chapter 42F, Hawaii Revised Statutes. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
1860 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
H.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO THE HAWAII SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
The legislature further finds that the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1900 to establish and operate a professional symphony orchestra in Hawaii. The symphony hosts shows and programs featuring musicians and performing artists from around the world, in addition to promoting local talent within Hawaii.
The legislature notes that Act 382, Session Laws of Hawaii 1987 (Act 382), established the Honolulu Symphony Endowment Fund to provide financial support to the Honolulu Symphony. The legislative history of Act 382 stated that the Honolulu Symphony is a major cultural resource of Hawaii and is deserving of the support provided by Act 382; and in Act 258, Session Laws of Hawaii 1988, the name of the Honolulu Symphony Endowment Fund was changed to the State of Hawaii Endowment Fund. Subsequently, Act 175, Session Laws of Hawaii 1995, clarified that the income and capital gains of the State of Hawaii Endowment Fund were to be used for the production of music by an Oahu-based symphony orchestra and stated that it was to support a live symphonic orchestra for the residents in Hawaii.
The legislature further finds that the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra has suffered through financial instability throughout the last twenty years, including filing for bankruptcy and liquidating its assets for auction. In 2009, a small group of supporters, donors, and musicians revived the orchestra as it is known today, the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra, with the mission to reach out to the community through music. The legislature further notes that the Orchestra heavily relies on donations, concert ticket sales, and some state funding to fund its operations.
The legislature recognizes that the State has a certain responsibility to the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra Band for the public services it provides. The legislature notes that designating the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra as the "State of Hawaii Symphony Orchestra" will enable the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra to regularly obtain state funds to help cover its general operating costs in exchange for other services to the State, to be mutually negotiated.
The legislature finds that the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra has served and continues to serve a public purpose through free performances at parks and outdoor community centers, education concerts, showcasing young musicians, and performing side-by-side with the Hawaii Youth Symphony, as well as providing free admission for public school faculty, staff, and students to attend shows through department of education programs. These community program initiatives exemplify the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra's service and dedication to the public. The legislature concludes that exempting appropriations of state general revenues to the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra from the requirements of chapter 42F, Hawaii Revised Statutes, complies with the public purpose requirement of article VII, section 4, of the Hawaii State Constitution.
Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to designate the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra as the "State of Hawaii Symphony Orchestra"; exempt state funds it receives from chapter 42F, Hawaii Revised Statutes; and appropriate funds for its general operating costs.
SECTION 2. Chapter 9, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part I to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§9- Hawaii Symphony Orchestra; designation; funding. (a) The Hawaii Symphony Orchestra shall be designated the State of Hawaii Symphony Orchestra.
(b) The qualifying standards and conditions related to the receipt of funds contained in chapter 42F shall not apply to funds received by the State of Hawaii Symphony Orchestra; provided that if the State of Hawaii Symphony Orchestra, in turn, contracts with a recipient or provider, then the qualifying standards, conditions, and other provisions of chapter 42F shall apply to the recipient or provider and the contract.
(c) The designation of the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra as the State of Hawaii Symphony Orchestra shall not impinge on the autonomy of the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra, nor imply state control over its programs or policies, except as specifically provided in this section.
(d) The comptroller and legislative auditor may examine the use of any state funds appropriated pursuant to this section and shall report any findings to the legislature.
(e) The president and chief executive officer of the State of Hawaii Symphony Orchestra shall provide a report to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of each regular session. At a minimum, the annual report shall include an explanation of the operations, maintenance, and other functions accomplished using state fund expenditures in the previous fiscal year."
SECTION 3. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $500,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the general operating costs of the State of Hawaii Symphony Orchestra, including:
(1) Operations and maintenance; and
(2) Any advice, consultations, or services provided free of charge to state agencies, including:
(A) Free admission for public school faculty, staff, and students who attend shows through department of education programs; and
(B) Consultants for purposes of setting standards in the symphony's educational programming and public activities.
The sum appropriated shall be expended by the state foundation on culture and the arts for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 4. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.
Report Title:
State of Hawaii Symphony Orchestra; State Foundation on Culture and the Arts; Designation; Funding; Appropriation
Description:
Designates the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra as the State of Hawaii Symphony Orchestra. Requires annual reports to the Legislature. Exempts state funds received by the State of Hawaii Symphony Orchestra from chapter 42F, Hawaii Revised Statutes. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
1860 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
Relating to the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
The legislature further finds that the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1900 to establish and operate a professional symphony orchestra in Hawaii. The symphony hosts shows and programs featuring musicians and performing artists from around the world, in addition to promoting local talent within Hawaii.
The legislature recognizes that the State has a certain responsibility to the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra for the public services it provides. The legislature notes that designating the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra as the "State of Hawaii Symphony Orchestra" will enable the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra to regularly obtain state funds to help cover its general operating costs in exchange for other services to the State, to be mutually negotiated.
Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to designate the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra as the "State of Hawaii Symphony Orchestra".
SECTION 2. Chapter 9, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part I to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§9- Hawaii Symphony Orchestra; designation; funding. (a) The Hawaii Symphony Orchestra shall be designated the State of Hawaii Symphony Orchestra.
(b) The qualifying standards and conditions related to the receipt of funds contained in chapter 42F shall not apply to funds received by the State of Hawaii Symphony Orchestra; provided that if the State of Hawaii Symphony Orchestra, in turn, contracts with a recipient or provider, then the qualifying standards, conditions, and other provisions of chapter 42F shall apply to the recipient or provider and the contract.
(c) The designation of the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra as the State of Hawaii Symphony Orchestra shall not impinge on the autonomy of the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra, nor imply state control over its programs or policies, except as specifically provided in this section.
(d) The comptroller and the legislative auditor may examine the use of any state funds appropriated pursuant to this section and shall report any findings to the legislature.
(e) The president and chief executive officer of the State of Hawaii Symphony Orchestra shall provide a report to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of each regular session. At a minimum, the annual report shall include an explanation of the operations, maintenance, and other functions accomplished using state fund expenditures in the previous fiscal year."
SECTION 3. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $500,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the general operating costs of the State of Hawaii Symphony Orchestra, including:
(1) Operations and maintenance; and
(2) Any advice, consultations, or services provided free of charge to state agencies, including:
(A) Free admission for public school faculty, staff, and students who attend shows through department of education programs; and
(B) Consultants for purposes of setting standards in the symphony's educational programming and public activities.
The sum appropriated shall be expended by the state foundation on culture and the arts for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 4. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2026.
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INTRODUCED BY: |
_____________________________ |
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Report Title:
Hawaii Symphony Orchestra; State Foundation on Culture and the Arts; State of Hawaii; Designation; Funding; Appropriation
Description:
Designates the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra as the State of Hawaii Symphony Orchestra. Requires annual reports to the Legislature. Appropriates moneys.
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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Date
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Status
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| Jun 5, 2026 | Act 098, on 06/05/2026 (Gov. Msg. No. 1198). |
| Jun 5, 2026 | Act 098, 06/05/2026 (Gov. Msg. No. 1198). |
| May 8, 2026 | Transmitted to Governor. |
| May 8, 2026 | Received notice of House agreement and passage on Final Reading (Hse. Com. No. 890). |
| May 8, 2026 | Passed Final Reading as amended in SD 1 with none voting aye with reservations; Representative(s) Muraoka, Pierick voting no (2) and none excused (0). |
| May 8, 2026 | House agrees to Senate amendment(s). |
| May 8, 2026 | Received notice of House reconsideration of action in disagreeing to the amendments proposed by the Senate (Hse. Com. No. 886). |
| May 6, 2026 | Reconsideration of action taken on 04-14-26. |
| Apr 23, 2026 | Received notice of appointment of House conferees (Hse. Com. No. 810). |
| Apr 22, 2026 | House Conferees Appointed: Kapela, Keohokapu-Lee Loy Co-Chairs; Alcos. |
| Apr 16, 2026 | Received notice of disagreement (Hse. Com. No. 599). |
| Apr 14, 2026 | House disagrees with Senate amendment (s). |
| Apr 10, 2026 | Returned from Senate (Sen. Com. No. 535) in amended form (SD 1). |
| Apr 10, 2026 | Report Adopted; Passed Third Reading. Ayes, 25; Aye(s) with reservations: none. Noes, 0 (none). Excused, 0 (none). Transmitted to House. |
| Apr 9, 2026 | One Day Notice 04-10-26. |
| Apr 9, 2026 | Reported from WAM (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 3650) with recommendation of passage on Third Reading. |
| Apr 6, 2026 | The committee(s) on WAM recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes in WAM were as follows: 12 Aye(s): Senator(s) Dela Cruz, Moriwaki, DeCoite, Elefante, Hashimoto, Inouye, Kanuha, Kidani, Kim, Richards, Wakai, Fevella; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 1 Excused: Senator(s) Lee, C.. |
| Apr 1, 2026 | The committee(s) on WAM will hold a public decision making on 04-06-26 10:32AM; Conference Room 211 & Videoconference. |
| Mar 30, 2026 | Report adopted; Passed Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referred to WAM. |
| Mar 30, 2026 | Reported from WLA (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 3247) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referral to WAM. |
| Mar 16, 2026 | The committee(s) on WLA recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in WLA were as follows: 5 Aye(s): Senator(s) Lee, C., Inouye, Chang, Lamosao, DeCorte; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 0 Excused: none. |
| Mar 12, 2026 | The committee(s) on WLA has scheduled a public hearing on 03-16-26 1:00PM; Conference Room 224 & Videoconference. |
| Mar 12, 2026 | Referred to WLA, WAM. |
| Mar 12, 2026 | Passed First Reading. |
| Mar 12, 2026 | Received from House (Hse. Com. No. 302). |
| Mar 10, 2026 | Passed Third Reading as amended in HD 2 with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and none excused (0). Transmitted to Senate. |
| Mar 6, 2026 | Forty-eight (48) hours notice Tuesday, 03-10-26. |
| Mar 6, 2026 | Reported from FIN (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1023-26) as amended in HD 2, recommending passage on Third Reading. |
| Feb 26, 2026 | The committee on FIN recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 16 Ayes: Representative(s) Todd, Takenouchi, Hartsfield, Hussey, Keohokapu-Lee Loy, Kitagawa, Kusch, Lee, M., Miyake, Morikawa, Perruso, Templo, Yamashita, Alcos, Gedeon, Reyes Oda; Ayes with reservations: none; 0 Noes: none; and 0 Excused: none. |
| Feb 24, 2026 | Bill scheduled to be heard by FIN on Thursday, 02-26-26 10:00AM in House conference room 308 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Feb 12, 2026 | Passed Second Reading as amended in HD 1 and referred to the committee(s) on FIN with none voting aye with reservations; Representative(s) Pierick voting no (1) and none excused (0). |
| Feb 12, 2026 | Reported from CAA (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 244-26) as amended in HD 1, recommending passage on Second Reading and referral to FIN. |
| Feb 6, 2026 | The committee on CAA recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 4 Ayes: Representative(s) Kapela, Kong, Garrett, Lee, M.; Ayes with reservations: none; Noes: none; and 2 Excused: Representative(s) Sayama, Reyes Oda. |
| Feb 3, 2026 | Bill scheduled to be heard by CAA on Friday, 02-06-26 9:30AM in House conference room 309 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Jan 26, 2026 | Referred to CAA, FIN, referral sheet 2 |
| Jan 26, 2026 | Introduced and Pass First Reading. |
| Jan 23, 2026 | Pending introduction. |
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Date
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Description
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Location
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Votes
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| May 8, 2026 | Final Reading | House Floor |
Passed |
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| Apr 10, 2026 | Third Reading | Senate Floor |
Passed |
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| Apr 6, 2026 | The committee(s) on WAM recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED | Senate Standing Committee on Ways and Means |
Passed |
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| Mar 16, 2026 | The committee(s) on WLA recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | Senate Standing Committee on Water, Land, Culture and the Arts |
Passed |
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| Mar 10, 2026 | Third Reading | House Floor |
Passed |
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| Feb 26, 2026 | The committee on FIN recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | House Standing Committee on Finance |
Passed |
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| Feb 6, 2026 | The committee on CAA recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | House Standing Committee on Culture & Arts |
Passed |
This list shows positions taken on this bill by organizations on the date displayed, which is linked to the original source.
Positions by individuals are not included.
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Organization
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Position
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Date
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|---|---|---|
| ABC Stores | *** Support | Apr 5, 2026 |
| Avalon Group | ** Support | |
| Board member of HSO | *** Support | Apr 5, 2026 |
| Board Member, Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra | *** Support | Apr 5, 2026 |
| Board of Directors, Hawaii Symphony Orchestra | *** Support | Apr 5, 2026 |
| Chamber Music Hawai’i (Production and Operations Manager) | *** Support | Apr 5, 2026 |
| Hawaii News Now | *** Support | Apr 5, 2026 |
| Hawaii Symphony Orchestra | *** Support | Apr 5, 2026 |
| Hawaii Symphony Orchestra (employee/member) | *** Support | Apr 5, 2026 |
| Hawaii Symphony Orchestra (member) | *** Support | Apr 5, 2026 |
| Hawaii Symphony Orchestra (violinist) | *** Support | Apr 5, 2026 |
| Hawaiian Steel Guitar Association | *** Support | Apr 5, 2026 |
| Hawaiʻi Arts Alliance | ** Support | |
| Hawaiʻi State Foundation on Culture and the Arts | ** Support | |
| Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra (Board Chair) | *** Support | Apr 5, 2026 |
| Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra (Music & Artistic Director; President & CEO) | *** Support | Apr 5, 2026 |
| Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra (Music and Artistic Director) | *** Support | Apr 5, 2026 |
| Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra (Associate Principal Timpanist & Section Percussionist; Board of Directors, Musicians’ Association of Hawaii; GM Chamber Music Hawaii) | *** Support | Apr 5, 2026 |
| Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra (staff) | *** Support | Apr 5, 2026 |
| Hawai‘i Youth Symphony (President & CEO) | *** Support | Apr 5, 2026 |
| Hawai’i Symphony Orchestra (musician) | *** Support | Apr 5, 2026 |
| Hawai’i Symphony Orchestra (Principal Timpanist) | *** Support | Apr 5, 2026 |
| HULI PAC | *** Support | Mar 16, 2026 |
| Kim Kiyabu Piano Studio | *** Support | Apr 5, 2026 |
| Masaki School of Music | ** Support | |
| Pacific Academy of Music | ** Support | |
| Retail Merchants of Hawaiʻi | *** Support | Apr 5, 2026 |
| Servco Pacific, Inc. | *** Support | Apr 5, 2026 |
| State Foundation on Culture and the Arts | *** Support | Mar 16, 2026 |
| Tau Dance Theater | *** Support | Apr 5, 2026 |
| The Aja Group | *** Support | Apr 5, 2026 |
| UH Mānoa (Lecturer of Percussion) | *** Support | Apr 5, 2026 |
STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1023-26
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2026
RE: H.B. No. 1860
H.D. 2
Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura
Speaker, House of Representatives
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2026
State of Hawaii
Madame:
Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred H.B. No. 1860, H.D. 1, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE HAWAII SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose of this measure is to:
(1) Designate the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra as the "State of Hawaii Symphony Orchestra";
(2) Exempt state funds it receives from chapter 42F, Hawaii Revised Statutes; and
(3) Appropriate funds for the general operating costs of the State of Hawaii Symphony Orchestra.
Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawaiʻi State Foundation on Culture and the Arts; ABC Stores; Servco Pacific, Inc.; Hawaiʻi Arts Alliance; Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra; Pacific Academy of Music; Hawaiʻi Youth Symphony; and numerous individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from two individuals.
Your Committee has amended this measure by:
(1) Changing the appropriation to an unspecified amount; and
(2) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Finance that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1860, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1860, H.D. 2.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Finance,
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____________________________ CHRIS TODD, Chair |
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STAND. COM. REP. NO. 244-26
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2026
RE: H.B. No. 1860
H.D. 1
Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura
Speaker, House of Representatives
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2026
State of Hawaii
Madame:
Your Committee on Culture & Arts, to which was referred H.B. No. 1860 entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE HAWAII SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose of this measure is to:
(1) Designate the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra as the "State of Hawaii Symphony Orchestra"; and
(2) Appropriate funds for the general operating costs of the State of Hawaii Symphony Orchestra.
Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts; ABC Stores; Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra; Hawaiʻi Youth Symphony; Masaki School of Music; Avalon Group; Retail Merchants of Hawaiʻi; Servco Pacific, Inc.; and numerous individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from one individual. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of the Attorney General.
Your Committee finds that the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra has long served as a cornerstone of the State's cultural and artistic life, providing performances that enrich community education, showcase local talent, and connect Hawaii to international artistic traditions. Designating the organization as the "State of Hawaii Symphony Orchestra" acknowledges its public value and formalizes the State's role in supporting its mission. This measure facilitates that designation and appropriates funds for general operations, including free services to public agencies and educational access for students and teachers, ensuring the orchestra can continue delivering statewide benefits without compromising its artistic independence.
Your Committee has amended this measure by:
(1) Inserting legislative findings in the preamble about the historic and public impact the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra has had in the State;
(2) Inserting legislative findings in the preamble that the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra serves a public purpose and that granting authorization to the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra to receive appropriations of state funds, exempt from the requirements of chapter 42F, Hawaii Revised Statutes, complies with the public purpose requirement of Article VII, section 4, of the Hawaii State Constitution;
(3) Changing the effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion; and
(4) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Culture & Arts that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1860, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1860, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Finance.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Culture & Arts,
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____________________________ JEANNE KAPELA, Chair |
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Date
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Testimony PDF
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| Apr 5, 2026 | HB1860_SD1_TESTIMONY_WAM_04-06-26_.PDF |
| Mar 16, 2026 | HB1860_HD2_TESTIMONY_WLA_03-16-26_.PDF |
| Feb 26, 2026 | HB1860_HD1_TESTIMONY_FIN_02-26-26_.PDF |
| Feb 6, 2026 | HB1860_TESTIMONY_CAA_02-06-26_.PDF |
Discussed in Hearing
3MIN
Senate Standing Committee on Water, Land, Culture and the Arts
48SEC
Senate Standing Committee on Water, Land, Culture and the Arts
2MIN
House Standing Committee on Finance
33SEC
House Standing Committee on Finance
5MIN
House Standing Committee on Culture & Arts
1MIN
House Standing Committee on Culture & Arts
Bill Author
Bill Co-Author(s):