Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

Hawaii House Bill HB2461

Introduced

1/28/26

Refer

2/2/26

Caption

Relating To The State Foundation On Culture And The Arts.

Impact

The bill proposes to appropriate significant funds out of the works of art special fund, providing $2,300,000 for commissioning new artworks and $1,700,000 for the maintenance and preservation of existing art. Additionally, it establishes a permanent collections manager position to oversee these initiatives. These appropriations are intended to strengthen the state's commitment to cultural preservation and to ensure that public art continues to be a vital component of community identity and engagement.

Summary

House Bill 2461, relating to the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, seeks to enhance the role and impact of public art in Hawaii by increasing funding and resources for the commissioning and maintenance of art in public spaces. The bill aims to allow the State Foundation to better address increasing demands for public art initiatives, reflecting Hawaii's diverse cultural heritage and fostering community identity. Through the funding provisions, the bill supports the creative economy by both commissioning new works and maintaining existing public art collections.

Contention

While the bill is largely supportive of promoting public art, some points of contention may arise regarding the allocation of state funds. Critics might argue about the prioritization of spending on art versus other essential services. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the new collections manager position in bringing about tangible improvements in art management and preservation may be questioned. The need to balance funding for the arts with community needs in other areas like education and healthcare may present ongoing debates within the legislature.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

HI HB1378

Relating To The State Foundation On Culture And The Arts.

HI SB1577

Relating To The State Foundation On Culture And The Arts.

HI HCR163

Urging The State Foundation On Culture And The Arts To Establish An Annual Festival Celebrating Pacific Island Culture And Arts.

HI HR158

Urging The State Foundation On Culture And The Arts To Establish An Annual Festival Celebrating Pacific Island Culture And Arts.

HI HR123

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.

HI SB1011

Relating To Culture And Arts.

HI HCR127

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.

HI SR110

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.

HI SCR131

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.

HI SB928

Relating To Culture And The Arts.

Similar Bills

MD HB390

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2027)

MD SB282

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2027)

MD HB350

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2026)

MD SB319

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2026)

PA HB1330

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of certain agencies of the Executive Department for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025.

PA SB160

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024.

PA SB280

PA SB1161

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025.