STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1610

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.R. No. 110

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Transportation and Culture and the Arts, to which was referred S.R. No. 110 entitled:

"SENATE 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 and intent 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 received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawaii Theatre Center and three individuals.

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. Your Committee further finds that the preservation and continued operation of the Hawaii Theatre are vital to supporting the arts, fostering economic development, and enhancing the vibrancy of Honolulu's downtown district. Your Committee concludes that public ownership of the Hawaii Theatre by the State would ensure its long-term preservation, allow for necessary renovations and improvements, and expand access to arts and cultural programming for residents and visitors alike.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Transportation and Culture and the Arts that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of S.R. No. 110 and recommends its adoption.

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

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CHRIS LEE, Chair