THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	3287
THIRTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2022
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO PUBLIC ACCESS.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the Hawaii state capitol is a public building rich with history and significance. Completed in 1969, the capitol building was designed as a modern and functional place of democracy imbued with deep meaning, beauty, and dignity. Meant to recall the birth of the islands from the sea, the unique design of the building offers insight into the State's singular history, shared values, and public priorities.

The legislature further finds that maintaining accessibility to the capitol building and its history for Hawaii's residents, students, and visitors is a meaningful public service that provides visitors to the building with a profound appreciation for the State and the democratic process. The legislature also finds that providing public tours of the capitol building resonates with and perpetuates the "aloha spirit", as that term is defined by section 5-7.5, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

The purpose of this Act is to establish a state capitol tours program within the legislature's public access room and appropriate funds for the same.

SECTION 2. Section 21G-2, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

"§21G-2 Public access room established. (a) There is established in the state capitol a public access room in which members of the public shall be allowed to utilize various equipment, services, and facilities to enhance their ability to participate in the legislative process.

(b) There is established within the public access room a state capitol tours program that shall provide to members of the public virtual and walking tours of the Hawaii state capitol building; provided that:

(1) Virtual tours of the capitol shall include maintenance and regular updating of a virtual tour website; and

(2) In addition to in-person, guided tours, walking tours shall include availability to the public of information for self-guided tours in the form of paper brochures and a website.

[(b)] (c) The public access room shall be maintained and the state capitol tours program shall be administered by the legislative reference bureau."

SECTION 3. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $85,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2022-2023 to establish the state capitol tours program provided by this Act and establish a capitol tours coordinator position to administer and facilitate the same.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the legislative reference bureau for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 4. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2022.

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

State Capitol Tours; Legislative Reference Bureau; Public Access Room; Appropriation

Description:

Establishes a state capitol tours program within the Legislature's Public Access Room. Appropriates funds.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.