Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2005

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 1699 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to ensure the perpetuation and support of culture and the arts in Hawaii.

Specifically, this measure increases the Hawaii State Foundation on Culture and the Arts' general fund appropriation to demonstrate strong legislative support for the importance of culture and the arts in Hawaii's communities and the enrichment of the quality of life of Hawaii's people.

Your Committee finds that the arts and the preservation and growth of culture are essential components of our society, contributing to the well being of the community. The creative processes used or learned through art help people learn to develop new concepts, new ideas, and new solutions to solve issues faced in the community and business. As the arts and culture stimulate the economy and revitalize communities, your Committee believes that this measure is vital to ensure that culture and the arts play a role in our communities.

Upon further review, your Committee amended this measure by:

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. 1699, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 1699, S.D. 1.