STAND. COM. REP. NO.  296

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2007

RE:   H.B. No. 993

      H.D. 1

Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Fourth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2007

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Tourism & Culture, to which was referred H.B. No. 993 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE PERFORMANCE ARTS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this bill is to promote performance arts in Hawaii, including music, theater, and dance, by requiring the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts (Foundation) to develop a program that prioritizes performance arts and:

     (1)  Gives preference to performers from the community;

     (2)  Emphasizes student performance;

(3)  Considers and uses locations such as parks and gymnasiums administered by state agencies when selecting venues for performances; and

(4)  Contracts with local theaters to stage student performances in the event that a school is unable to provide an appropriate venue.

     The Foundation supported the intent of this bill.  The Performing Arts Presenters of Hawaii submitted comments.

     Your Committee recognizes the need to ensure that programs are available to encourage arts and culture in Hawaii.  Your Committee notes that testimony during the public hearing indicated that the Department of Education and the Foundation have been in discussions regarding the incorporation of arts and culture programs and outreach for students in the school system.  Your Committee strongly supports these types of collaborative efforts to promote creative arts among our youth. 

     Your Committee has amended this measure by:

     (1)  Requiring the Foundation to make recommendations regarding needed appropriations to support statewide cultural extension programs;  

     (2)  Including the University of Hawaii Outreach College extension program, community colleges, and other community organizations in the list of partners for the Foundation to fully implement the Hawaii Arts Education Strategic Plan;

     (3)  Changing the deadline for submitting the Foundation's annual report to December 31 of each year;

     (4)  Changing its effective date to January 1, 2025, to encourage further discussion; and

     (5)  Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for style, clarity, and consistency.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Tourism & Culture that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 993, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 993, H.D. 1, and be referred to the Committee on Finance.

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

____________________________

RYAN I. YAMANE, Chair