STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2876

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 3131

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2020

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Labor, Culture and the Arts, to which was referred S.B. No. 3131 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO STATE CAPITOL TOURS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is appropriate funds and to require the governor to implement a state capitol tour program for volunteer docents to conduct tours of the capitol building and grounds.

Your Committee received no testimony on this measure.

Your Committee finds that the Hawaii State Capitol is a public building rich with history and significance. Completed in 1969, the capitol building was designed as a modern and functional place of democracy imbued with deep meaning, beauty, and dignity. Meant to recall the birth of the islands from the sea, the unique design of the building offers insight into the State's singular history, shared values, and public priorities.

Your Committee notes although there are virtual tours and self-guided tours offered, it would be beneficial to have staff from the Office of the Governor tasked with coordinating and conducting guided tours and providing information about the state capitol for visitors and school groups.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Requiring the governor's office to establish a docent program in consultation with the legislative reference bureau's public access room;

(2) Establishing one permanent full-time position in the Office of the Governor to establish, administer and implement the capitol tour program;

(3) Changing the effective date to January 1, 2051, to encourage further discussion; and

(4) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity and consistency.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Labor, Culture and the Arts that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 3131, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 3131, S.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

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

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BRIAN T. TANIGUCHI, Chair