Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2006

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committees on Media, Arts, Science, and Technology and Tourism, to which was referred S.B. No. 2968 entitled:

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to establish a museum of Hawaiian music and dance committee to determine the appropriate type of institution that should be established, its location, and possible financing mechanisms, and to complete an initial business plan for the museum of Hawaiian music and dance.

Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; the Hawaii Tourism Authority; the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts; The Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame; and two individuals.

The economic viability of Hawaii's tourism is heavily dependent upon the Hawaiian culture. The culture of the indigenous people is unique and of critical importance in differentiating Hawaii from other visitor destinations. Tourism promotions, particularly through media such as music and dance, have relied upon Hawaiian culture as the number one marketing tool and as the foundation for perpetuating the spirit of aloha that is vital to the economic success of the industry. The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences has recently added the new category of best Hawaiian Music Album to the prestigious Grammy Awards, thereby creating new audiences for Hawaiian music around the world.

The history of Hawaiian music and dance demonstrates a proud statement of cultural identity. A compilation of collective works and related memorabilia of exceptional individuals who are highly regarded in their respective fields of endeavor will preserve and perpetuate the Hawaiian culture as well as promote appreciation for these art forms for present and future generations.

Your Committees note from the testimony that one representative on the committee should be from a hula festival organization, to be chosen by the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Your Committees have amended this measure by adding a representative to the committee from the Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Media, Arts, Science, and Technology and Tourism that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2968, as amended herein, and recommend that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 2968, S.D. 1, and be referred to the Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs.