SB 441: Hawaii Symphony Orchestra; State Foundation on Culture and the Arts; Designation; Funding; Chapter 42F Exemption; General Fund; State of Hawaii Endowment Fund; Appropriation
- Session Year: 2025-2026
- House: Senate
- Latest Version Date: 2025-03-17
Current Status:
Failed
(2026-04-17: Re-Referred to WLA, WAM.)
Introduced
In Committee
First Chamber
In Committee
Second Chamber
Final Decking
Enacted
Designates the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra as the State of Hawaii Symphony Orchestra. Exempts general fund appropriations to the State of Hawaii Symphony Orchestra from the requirements of chapter 42F, Hawaii Revised Statutes. Requires annual reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds for general operating costs of the Orchestra and for deposit into the State of Hawaii Endowment Fund. 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. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)
Designates the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra as the State of Hawaii Symphony Orchestra. Requires annual reports to the Legislature. Appropriates moneys.
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THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
441 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 |
S.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
H.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 as the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra 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:
(1) Designate the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra as the "State of Hawaii Symphony Orchestra";
(2) Exempt state funds received by the State of Hawaii Symphony Orchestra from the requirements of chapter 42F, Hawaii Revised Statutes; and
(3) Appropriate funds for general operating costs of the State of Hawaii Symphony Orchestra and for deposit into the State of Hawaii Endowment Fund.
SECTION 2. Chapter 9, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section 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 shall have the authority to examine the use of state funds and shall report any findings to the legislature.
(e) The president and chief executive officer of the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra shall provide an annual report to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of each regular session. The report shall include, at minimum, an explanation of the operations, maintenance, and other functions accomplished by 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 2025-2026 and the same sum 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 of the organization; and
(2) Advice, consultations, and public statewide services for free, including:
(A) Admission for public school faculty, staff, and students to attend shows through department of education or public charter programs;
(B) Setting standards in the symphony's educational programming and public activities and performances; and
(C) Additional support to increase access on the neighbor islands to music and educational opportunities.
The sums appropriated shall be expended by the state foundation on culture and the arts for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 4. 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 2025-2026 for deposit into the State of Hawaii Endowment Fund.
The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of accounting and general services for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 5. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 6. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.
Report Title:
Hawaii Symphony Orchestra; State Foundation on Culture and the Arts; Designation; Funding; Chapter 42F Exemption; General Fund; State of Hawaii Endowment Fund; Appropriation
Description:
Designates the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra as the State of Hawaii Symphony Orchestra. Exempts general fund appropriations to the State of Hawaii Symphony Orchestra from the requirements of chapter 42F, Hawaii Revised Statutes. Requires annual reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds for general operating costs of the Orchestra and for deposit into the State of Hawaii Endowment Fund. 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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THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
441 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 |
S.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 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 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 shall have the authority to examine the use of state funds and shall report any findings to the legislature.
(e) The president and chief executive officer of the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra shall provide an annual report to the legislature no later than twenty days before the legislature convenes each regular session. At a minimum, the annual report shall include an explanation of the operations, maintenance, and other functions accomplished by 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 2025-2026 and the same sum 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 of the organization; and
(2) Advice, consultations, and services to state agencies, free of charge, including:
(A) Free admission to public school faculty, staff, and students who attend shows through department of education programs; and
(B) Setting standards in the symphony's educational programming and public activities.
The sums 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, 2050.
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. Effective 7/1/2050. (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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THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
441 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 |
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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 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 shall have the authority to examine the use of state funds and shall report any findings to the legislature.
(e) The president and chief executive officer of the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra shall provide an annual report to the legislature no later than twenty days before the legislature convenes each regular session. At a minimum, the annual report shall include an explanation of the operations, maintenance, and other functions accomplished by 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 2025-2026 and the same sum 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 of the organization; and
(2) Advice, consultations, and services to state agencies, free of charge, including:
(A) Free admission to public school faculty, staff, and students who attend shows through department of education programs; and
(B) Setting standards in the symphony's educational programming and public activities.
The sums 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, 2025.
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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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| Apr 17, 2026 | Re-Referred to WLA, WAM. |
| Mar 20, 2026 | Received notice of all Senate conferees being discharged (Sen. Com. No. 409). |
| Mar 20, 2026 | Senate Conferee(s) discharged. |
| Dec 8, 2025 | Carried over to 2026 Regular Session. |
| Apr 22, 2025 | Received notice of Senate conferees (Sen. Com. No. 863). |
| Apr 22, 2025 | Senate Conferees Appointed: Lee, C. Chair; Hashimoto Co-Chair; Elefante, DeCorte. |
| Apr 4, 2025 | Received notice of disagreement (Sen. Com. No. 590). |
| Apr 4, 2025 | Senate disagrees with House amendments. |
| Apr 4, 2025 | Received from House (Hse. Com. No. 464). |
| Apr 3, 2025 | Passed Third Reading with none voting aye with reservations; Representative(s) Pierick voting no (1) and Representative(s) Cochran, Woodson excused (2). Transmitted to Senate. |
| Apr 3, 2025 | Reported from FIN (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1899), recommending passage on Third Reading. |
| Mar 27, 2025 | The committee on FIN recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes were as follows: 13 Ayes: Representative(s) Yamashita, Takenouchi, Grandinetti, Holt, Keohokapu-Lee Loy, Kitagawa, Kusch, Lamosao, Lee, M., Miyake, Morikawa, Templo, Reyes Oda; Ayes with reservations: none; 0 Noes: none; and 3 Excused: Representative(s) Hussey, Alcos, Ward. |
| Mar 24, 2025 | Bill scheduled to be heard by FIN on Thursday, 03-27-25 2:00PM in House conference room 308 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Mar 18, 2025 | 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 Representative(s) Cochran, Ward excused (2). |
| Mar 18, 2025 | Reported from CAA (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1301) as amended in HD 1, recommending passage on Second Reading and referral to FIN. |
| Mar 14, 2025 | The committee on CAA recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 5 Ayes: Representative(s) Kapela, Kong, Lee, M., Sayama, Reyes Oda; Ayes with reservations: none; Noes: none; and 1 Excused: Representative(s) Garrett. |
| Mar 12, 2025 | Bill scheduled to be heard by CAA on Friday, 03-14-25 10:00AM in House conference room 309 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Mar 6, 2025 | Referred to CAA, FIN, referral sheet 19 |
| Mar 6, 2025 | Pass First Reading |
| Mar 4, 2025 | Received from Senate (Sen. Com. No. 159) in amended form (SD 1). |
| Mar 4, 2025 | Report adopted; Passed Third Reading, as amended (SD 1). Ayes, 25; Aye(s) with reservations: none . Noes, 0 (none). Excused, 0 (none). Transmitted to House. |
| Feb 28, 2025 | 48 Hrs. Notice 03-04-25. |
| Feb 28, 2025 | Reported from WAM (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 834) with recommendation of passage on Third Reading, as amended (SD 1). |
| Feb 26, 2025 | The committee(s) on WAM recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in WAM were as follows: 13 Aye(s): Senator(s) Dela Cruz, Moriwaki, Aquino, DeCoite, Elefante, Hashimoto, Inouye, Kanuha, Kidani, Kim, Lee, C., Wakai, Fevella; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 0 Excused: none. |
| Feb 20, 2025 | The committee(s) on WAM will hold a public decision making on 02-26-25 10:03AM; Conference Room 211 & Videoconference. |
| Feb 14, 2025 | Report adopted; Passed Second Reading and referred to WAM. |
| Feb 14, 2025 | Reported from TCA (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 480) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading and referral to WAM. |
| Feb 11, 2025 | The committee(s) on TCA recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes in TCA were as follows: 5 Aye(s): Senator(s) Lee, C., Inouye, Elefante, Kanuha, DeCorte; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 0 Excused: none. |
| Feb 7, 2025 | The committee(s) on TCA has scheduled a public hearing on 02-11-25 3:01PM; Conference Room 224 & Videoconference. |
| Jan 21, 2025 | Referred to TCA, WAM. |
| Jan 16, 2025 | Passed First Reading. |
| Jan 16, 2025 | Introduced. |
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Date
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Description
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Location
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Votes
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| Apr 3, 2025 | Third Reading | House Floor |
Passed |
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| Mar 27, 2025 | The committee on FIN recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED | House Standing Committee on Finance |
Passed |
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| Mar 14, 2025 | The committee on CAA recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | House Standing Committee on Culture & Arts |
Passed |
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| Mar 4, 2025 | Third Reading | Senate Floor |
Passed |
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| Feb 26, 2025 | The committee(s) on WAM recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | Senate Standing Committee on Ways and Means |
Passed |
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| Feb 11, 2025 | The committee(s) on TCA recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED | Senate Standing Committee on Transportation and Culture and the 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 | |
| Aloha International Piano Festival | *** Support | Feb 26, 2025 |
| Artusi | ** Support | |
| Ballet Hawaii | ** Support | |
| Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi | ** Support | |
| Hawaii State AFL-CIO | ** Support | |
| Hawaii News Now | *** Support | Mar 27, 2025 |
| Hawaii Nurses Association – OPEIU Local 50 | *** Support | Feb 26, 2025 |
| Hawaii Theatre Center | *** Support | Feb 11, 2025 |
| Hawaiʻi Youth Symphony | ** Support | |
| Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra | ** Support | |
| HSO | *** Support | Mar 14, 2025 |
| IATSE Local 665 | ** Support | |
| Iolani School | *** Support | Feb 26, 2025 |
| Kamuela Philharmonic Orchestra Society | ** Support | |
| Mappy, Inc. | ** Support | |
| Masaki School of Music | *** Support | Mar 27, 2025 |
| Musicians' Association of Hawaii, Local 677 | *** Support | Feb 26, 2025 |
| Musicians' Association of Hawaiʻi | *** Support | Mar 27, 2025 |
| Musicians’ Association of Hawai‘i (Local No. 677, AFM) | *** Support | Feb 11, 2025 |
| Oʻahu Choral Society (member) | *** Support | Mar 14, 2025 |
| Pride at Work Hawaiʻi | ** Support | |
| Pride at Work – Hawai‘i | *** Support | Feb 26, 2025 |
| Raffle Brain Institute | ** Support | |
| Schlueter, Kwiat & Kennedy LLLP | ** Support | |
| Servco Pacific, Inc. | ** Support | |
| University of Hawaiʻi (PhD student) | *** Support | Mar 14, 2025 |
| University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, Music Department | *** Support | Mar 27, 2025 |
| University of Hawaiʻi Department of Music | *** Support | Mar 14, 2025 |
| Violin Artistry | *** Support | Feb 26, 2025 |
STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1899
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2025
RE: S.B. No. 441
S.D. 1
H.D. 1
Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura
Speaker, House of Representatives
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2025
State of Hawaii
Madame:
Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred S.B. No. 441, S.D. 1, H.D. 1, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE HAWAII SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA,"
begs leave to report as follows:
Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from Pride at Work Hawaiʻi; ABC Stores; Hawaii State AFL-CIO; Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra; Schlueter, Kwiat & Kennedy LLLP; Servco Pacific, Inc.; IATSE Local 665; Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi; Hawaiʻi Youth Symphony; Mappy, Inc.; Artusi; Ballet Hawaii; and numerous individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts and one individual.
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 S.B. No. 441, S.D. 1, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Finance,
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____________________________ KYLE T. YAMASHITA, Chair |
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STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1301
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2025
RE: S.B. No. 441
S.D. 1
H.D. 1
Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura
Speaker, House of Representatives
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2025
State of Hawaii
Madame:
Your Committee on Culture & Arts, to which was referred S.B. No. 441, S.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"; and
(2) Exempt state funds received by the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra from the requirements of chapter 42F, Hawaii Revised Statutes.
Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from ABC Stores; Hawaii State AFL-CIO; Kamuela Philharmonic Orchestra Society; Raffle Brain Institute; Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi; Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra; Hawaii Youth Symphony; IATSE Local 665; Ballet Hawaii; 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; State Foundation on Culture and the Arts; and one individual.
Your Committee finds that the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra plays a vital public role for the State's residents and visitors through its musical contributions and performances, which provide cultural and artistic enrichment to the community. Through its diverse programming, educational outreach, and community engagement, the Hawaii State Orchestra fosters a deep appreciation for the arts and provides opportunities for people of all ages to experience the transformative power of music. Your Committee believes that the Hawaii State Orchestra fulfills an important public purpose and that the funding provided by this measure would enable the Orchestra to uphold its high standards of artistic excellence, expand its educational initiatives, and reach more members of the community.
Your Committee further believes that the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra served and continues to serve 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.
Your Committee has amended this measure by:
(1) 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;
(2) Inserting legislative findings in the preamble about the historic and public impact the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra has had in the State;
(3) Adding, as a purpose of the appropriation for general operating costs, additional support to increase access on the neighbor islands to music and educational opportunities;
(4) Inserting an appropriation of an unspecified amount to the State of Hawaii Endowment Fund;
(5) Changing the effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion; and
(6) 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 S.B. No. 441, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 441, S.D. 1, 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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STAND. COM. REP. NO. 834
Honolulu, Hawaii
RE: S.B. No. 441
S.D. 1
Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi
President of the Senate
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2025
State of Hawaii
Sir:
Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 441 entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE HAWAII SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose and intent of this measure is to designate the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra as the "State of Hawaii Symphony Orchestra."
Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from ABC Stores, Aloha International Piano Festival, Democratic Party of Hawaii, Hawaii Nurses' Association, Hawaii State AFL-CIO, Hawaii Symphony Orchestra, Hawaii Youth Symphony, Musicians' Association of Hawaii Local 677, Pride at WorkHawaii, Servco Pacific, Inc., Violin Artistry, and numerous individuals.
Your Committee received written comments on this measure from the Department of the Attorney General, State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, and one individual.
Your Committee finds that the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra provides a significant public service to the State and makes valuable musical contributions to the artistic and cultural education of the community through its performances. Your Committee further finds that designating the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra as the "State of Hawaii Symphony Orchestra" will enable the State to regularly appropriate funds to help cover the symphony orchestra's general operating costs in exchange for its valuable contributions to the State.
Your Committee has amended this measure by:
(1) Changing the appropriation from $500,000 to an unspecified amount; and
(2) Changing the effective date to July 1, 2050, to facilitate further discussion on the measure.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 441, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 441, S.D. 1.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,
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________________________________ DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair |
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STAND. COM. REP. NO. 480
Honolulu, Hawaii
RE: S.B. No. 441
Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi
President of the Senate
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2025
State of Hawaii
Sir:
Your Committee on Transportation and Culture and the Arts, to which was referred S.B. No. 441 entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE HAWAII SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose and intent of this measure is to:
(1) Designate the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra as the State of Hawaii Symphony Orchestra;
(2) Require annual reports to the Legislature; and
(3) Appropriate funds.
Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from Pride at Work Hawaiʻi, Hawaii Symphony Orchestra, IATSE Local 665, Musicians' Association of Hawaiʻi, Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi, Hawaii State AFL-CIO, and numerous individuals.
Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of the Attorney General and Hawaiʻi State Foundation on Culture and the Arts.
Your Committee finds that the State has a certain responsibility to the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra for the public services it provides. The Hawaii Symphony Orchestra, founded in 1900, hosts shows and programs featuring musicians and performing artists from around the world, in addition to promoting local talent within the State. This measure 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 by designating it as the State of Hawaii Symphony Orchestra.
Your Committee notes the recommendations of the Department of the Attorney General to insert a preamble to promote the public's understanding of the Legislature's intent of this measure and note the potential constitutional concerns regarding chapter 42F, Hawaii Revised Statutes, exemptions for nonprofits other than the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra. Your Committee finds that these issues raise concerns that merit further consideration and respectfully requests that subsequent Committees to which this measure is referred examine these matters.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Transportation and Culture and the Arts that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 441 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Transportation and Culture and the Arts,
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________________________________ CHRIS LEE, Chair |
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Date
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Testimony PDF
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| Mar 27, 2025 | SB441_HD1_TESTIMONY_FIN_03-27-25_.PDF |
| Mar 14, 2025 | SB441_SD1_TESTIMONY_CAA_03-14-25_.PDF |
| Feb 26, 2025 | SB441_TESTIMONY_WAM_02-26-25_.PDF |
| Feb 11, 2025 | SB441_TESTIMONY_TCA_02-11-25_.PDF |
Discussed in Hearing
36MIN
House Standing Committee on Finance
5MIN
Senate Standing Committee on Transportation and Culture and the Arts
5MIN
Senate Standing Committee on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs
Bill Author
