STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2464

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 3317

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2022

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Labor, Culture and the Arts, to which was referred S.B. No. 3317 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS FOR IOLANI PALACE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to authorize the Director of Finance to issue general obligation bonds and appropriates funds for capital improvement projects relating to Iolani Palace.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Friends of Iolani Palace, Oahu Economic Development Board, and ten individuals.

Your Committee finds that Iolani Palace, constructed in 1879, is a living restoration of a proud Hawaiian national identity, a registered National Historic Landmark, and the only palace of official royal residence in the United States. The 143-year-old palace is an important cultural and historical landmark that represents the dignity and unique history of the people of Hawaii.

Your Committee recognizes that the last time portions of the palace's roof were repaired was two decades ago in 2000, and due to increasing decay and leakage during rain, the roof and various other architectural elements of the palace are deteriorating. This measure will provide funding to address the critical need for roof repair and other improvements to the palace to protect the integrity of various antiquities and elements of this treasured historical site.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Labor, Culture and the Arts that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 3317 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Labor, Culture and the Arts,

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BRIAN T. TANIGUCHI, Chair