Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2005

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Media, Arts, Science, and Technology, to which was referred S.B. No. 1699 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to increase the Hawaii State Foundation on Culture and the Arts' general fund appropriation.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Honolulu Academy of the Arts, the Musicians' Association of Hawaii, the Hawaii United Okinawa Association, Douglas Trade Shows, the Portuguese Association of Maui, and seventeen individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Accounting and General Services.

Your Committee finds that the Hawaii State Foundation on Culture and the Arts biennium grants program is the largest source of public funding for arts programming in the State. The foundation supports cultural, artistic, historical, and humanitarian programs in Hawaii communities, with funds disbursed statewide. The state arts foundation's grants support projects that provide access to the arts for residents and visitors alike, preserve and perpetuate the arts and culture of native Hawaiians, enhance and promote cultural tourism efforts, encourage young audiences, and develop young talent. Your Committee finds that this measure demonstrates the strong legislative support for culture and the arts in Hawaii's communities and in the quality of life of Hawaii's people.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Media, Arts, Science, and Technology that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 1699 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.