STAND. COM. REP. NO. 497

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2021

RE: H.B. No. 1193

H.D. 1

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2021

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Culture, Arts, & International Affairs, to which was referred H.B. No. 1193 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS FOR THE STATE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to appropriate funds for capital improvement projects relating to the State Archives and Iolani Palace.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Accounting and General Services, Department of Land and Natural Resources, Hawaii Arts Alliance, Friends of Iolani Palace, Oahu Economic Development Board, and three individuals.

Your Committee finds that the State Archives and Iolani Palace are irreplaceable parts of the State's legacy, history, culture, and identity. Your Committee further finds that certain architectural elements of Iolani Palace are deteriorating, which threatens both the iconic building and the integrity of the antiques it houses. Additionally, because of reduced revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Iolani Palace has been forced to reduce staff while still shouldering heavy operating costs for increased security and continuous operation of HVAC air systems for preservation. This measure serves to protect the unique history of Hawaii by appropriating funds for needed repairs and updates for the State Archives and Iolani Palace.

Your Committee has amended this measure by changing its effective date to July 1, 2065, to encourage further discussion.

Should your Committee on Finance choose to deliberate on this measure, your Committee on Culture, Arts, & International affairs respectfully requests that it consider appropriating $1,000,000 for the development of a State Archives master plan to include the expansion and creation of new collections processing and storage, administrative, public research, exhibition, and community engagement spaces and $1,695,000 for roof repairs and improvements, renovations and repairs to the fountain and pergolas, and additional renovations, repairs, maintenance, and increased security measures to Iolani Palace.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Culture, Arts, & International Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1193, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1193, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Culture, Arts, & International Affairs,

____________________________

CEDRIC ASUEGA GATES, Chair