STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2117

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2025

RE: S.C.R. No. 131

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Madame:

Your Committee on Culture & Arts, to which was referred S.C.R. No. 131 entitled:

"SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION URGING THE STATE TO ACQUIRE THE HAWAII THEATRE TO PROMOTE LOCAL CULTURE AND ARTS, PRESERVE ITS HISTORIC AND CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE, AND FACILITATE ITS CONTINUED PUBLIC USE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to urge the State to acquire the Hawaii Theatre to promote local culture and arts, preserve its historic and cultural significance, and facilitate its continued public use.

Your Committee did not receive any written testimony on this measure.

Your Committee finds that the Hawaii Theatre, located in downtown Honolulu, is a historic landmark that has served as a cultural and performing arts center since opening in 1922. The Theatre has played a significant role in the State's cultural and artistic heritage by hosting performances, concerts, and community events that celebrate the State's diverse history and traditions. Your Committee therefore believes that public ownership of the Hawaii Theatre by the State will ensure the Theatre's long—term preservation, enable necessary renovations and improvements, and expand access to arts and cultural programming for residents and visitors.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Culture & Arts that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of S.C.R. No. 131 and recommends its adoption.

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

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JEANNE KAPELA, Chair