THE SENATE

S.R. NO.

18

TWENTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2002

  

STATE OF HAWAII

  
   

SENATE RESOLUTION

 

REQUESTING A FINANCIAL AND MANAGEMENT AUDIT OF THE `IOLANI PALACE.

 

WHEREAS, the cornerstone of the imposing structure of `Iolani Palace was laid on the last day of 1879, and construction was completed three years later at a cost of just under $360,000; and

WHEREAS, `Iolani Palace was the official residence of Hawaii's last two monarchs, King Kalakaua, who ruled from 1882 until his death in 1891, and his sister Queen Lili`uokalani, who reigned from 1891 until the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy in 1893; and

WHEREAS, following the demise of the Hawaiian monarchy, `Iolani Palace became the headquarters for the republic, territory and, finally, the State of Hawaii; and

WHEREAS, increased public traffic took its toll on the historic building, and over the decades it slipped into disrepair; and

WHEREAS, in 1969, government officials moved into a new capitol adjacent to the palace grounds, and `Iolani Palace was vacant for the first time since it was built 87 years earlier, and under the supervision of the nonprofit community group the Friends of Iolani Palace, an effort was launched to restore it to its original grandeur; and

WHEREAS, in 1978 the palace, once again fit for a king, reopened to the public and it has remained one of the most inspiring and popular attractions for both visitors and residents alike; and

WHEREAS, this National Historic Landmark is the only state residence of royalty in the United States; and

WHEREAS, the Palace is a state facility, currently under the authority of the Department of Land and Natural Resources and soon to be transferred to the Department of Accounting and General Services; and

WHEREAS, the Friends of `Iolani Palace, continue in their efforts to encourage the preservation and restoration of `Iolani Palace; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Twenty-First Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2002, that the Auditor is requested to conduct a financial and management audit of `Iolani Palace; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Auditor shall make recommendations to assist the State and the Friends of `Iolani Palace in meeting their responsibilities to ensure the financial accountability of operations of `Iolani Palace; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources, Comptroller, Auditor, and Chairperson of the Board of the Friends of `Iolani Palace.

 

 
 

OFFERED BY:

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Report Title:

Friends of `Iolani Palace; Audit