Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2004

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committees on Science, Arts, and Technology and Tourism, to which was referred S.B. No. 2139 entitled:

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to establish the Hawaiian Music and Dance Committee to conduct a comprehensive assessment regarding the feasibility of a Museum of Hawaiian Music and Dance.

Testimony in support of the measure was received by the Department of Accounting and General Services (supports intent, but has concerns regarding funding and attachment to the department), the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (supports intent but has concerns regarding the funding, establishment, and implementation of the Museum), the Hawaii Tourism Authority, the Waikiki Improvement Association, Bishop Museum (supports intent), the Oahu Visitors Bureau, and one individual. The Office of Information Practices submitted comments on the measure. Testifying in opposition to the measure was the Hawaii Consortium for the Arts.

Your Committees find that this measure reaffirms the State's obligation to preserve and protect the culture and history of Native Hawaiians. This measure lays the groundwork for the eventual creation of a Museum of Hawaiian Music and Dance by utilizing the expertise and knowledge of various government and civil leaders in ensuring that this future museum is not only respectful of Native Hawaiian culture and history, but is also well-planned and coordinated.

Your Committees have amended the measure by creating a Hawaiian Music and Dance Committee to conduct a comprehensive assessment regarding the feasibility of a Museum of Hawaiian Music and Dance. This Committee is comprised of influential and knowledgeable civic leaders that have the expertise necessary to lay a solid foundation for a future Museum of Hawaiian Music and Dance.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Science, Arts, and Technology and Tourism that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2139, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 2139, S.D. 1, and be placed on the calendar for Third Reading.