THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2317
THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2024
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO STATE CAPITOL TOURS.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature 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.

The legislature also finds that maintaining accessibility to the capitol building and its history for Hawaii's residents, students, and visitors is a meaningful public service that provides visitors to the building with a profound appreciation for the State and the democratic process. The establishment of a state capitol tour program would greatly enhance this service.

The office of the governor of the State of Hawaii previously coordinated and conducted tours of the capitol. However, the position in the governor's office responsible for these tours has been vacant for several years. Although there are options for visitors to take virtual or self-guided tours, it would be beneficial to have permanent staff tasked with coordinating and conducting guided tours and providing information about the state capitol for visitors and school groups. Additionally, the inclusion of volunteer docents, similar to those in place at the Iolani Palace, Honolulu Zoo, and Waikiki Aquarium, would be helpful in supporting a state capitol tour program.

The purpose of this Act is to require the governor to administer and facilitate a state capitol tour program, utilizing volunteer docents, to conduct walking tours of the state capitol building.

SECTION 2. The governor of the State of Hawaii shall administer and facilitate a state capitol tour program for walking tours and dissemination of information regarding the Hawaii state capitol building. The program shall be developed in consultation with the legislative reference bureau's public access room, and consist of tours, conducted by unpaid volunteer docents, throughout areas of the building and grounds that can safely accommodate tour-goers.

SECTION 3. In accordance with section 9 of article VII of the Hawaii State Constitution and sections 37-91 and 37-93, Hawaii Revised Statutes, the legislature has determined that the appropriations contained in Act 164, Regular Session of 2023, and this Act will cause the state general fund expenditure ceiling for fiscal year 2024-2025 to be exceeded by $           or       per cent. This current declaration takes into account general fund appropriations authorized for fiscal year 2024-2025 in Act 164, Regular Session of 2023, and this Act only. The reasons for exceeding the general fund expenditure ceiling are that:

(1) The appropriation made in this Act is necessary to serve the public interest; and

(2) The appropriation made in this Act meets the needs addressed by this Act.

SECTION 4. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2024-2025 for one permanent full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) position and tour program pursuant to this Act.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the office of the governor for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2024.

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

State Capitol Guided Tours; Expenditure Ceiling; Appropriation

Description:

Requires the governor to implement a State Capitol Tour Program for volunteer docents to conduct tours of the capitol building and grounds. Makes an appropriation.

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