HR136

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.R. NO.	136
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025
STATE OF HAWAII

HOUSE RESOLUTION

urging the hawaii tourism authority and department of transportation to expand the kĀhea airport greetings program to display keiki art in all neighbor island airports.

WHEREAS, the goal of the Hawaii Tourism Authority's Visitor Experience Initiative is to boost visitors' experiences in the State while preserving and promoting Native Hawaiian culture in addition to Hawaii's multi-ethnic cultures and communities; and

WHEREAS, the Kāhea Airport Greetings Program plays a valuable role in the Visitor Experience Initiative by offering free, year-round Hawaiian entertainment, cultural enrichment, and support for young artists by showcasing student artwork at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, which fosters a welcoming and pleasant experience for visitors and residents across the State; and

WHEREAS, showcasing keiki art displays the artistic talents of the State's students and creates a deeper appreciation for Hawaiian culture and the unique identities of each island; and

WHEREAS, funding for the Kāhea Airport Greetings Program was cut in fiscal year 2025, but the Hawaii Tourism Authority has requested funding in the amount of $888,889 for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to continue this culturally vital program, and this funding request remains under consideration; and

WHEREAS, expanding this program to display keiki art to neighbor island airports, including Kahului Airport, Līhuʻe Airport, Kona International Airport, Hilo International Airport, Molokaʻi Airport, and Lānaʻi Airport, would provide equitable opportunities for neighbor island student art to be proudly displayed and lauded outside of Oʻahu and by their own communities; and

WHEREAS, such an expansion would further enhance the travel experience for visitors while reinforcing the cultural and educational values of the State's keiki; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2025, that the Hawaii Tourism Authority and Department of Transportation are urged to expand the Kāhea Airport Greetings Program to display keiki art in all neighbor island airports; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Hawaii Tourism Authority and Department of Transportation are encouraged to secure sufficient funding for the continuation and expansion of this program for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 and to collaborate with the Department of Education and local communities in its implementation; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Governor, Director of Transportation, Superintendent of Education, and Chief Executive Officer of the Hawaii Tourism Authority.

	OFFERED BY:	_____________________________