STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3911

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.C.R. No. 184

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2024

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Energy, Economic Development, and Tourism, to which was referred H.C.R. No. 184 entitled:

"HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, AND TOURISM TO COLLABORATE WITH UNIVERSITIES IN THE STATE TO CONVENE THE HAWAII CREATIVE INNOVATION GROUP,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to request the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to collaborate with universities in the State to convene the Hawaii Creative Innovation Group.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism and University of Hawaiʻi System.

Your Committee finds that the fashion and music industries in the State contribute to economic growth, job creation, cultural preservation, and tourism development, and that the State's diverse ecosystem of artists, venues, recording studios, and educational institutions strengthens the State's cultural identity and enriches the lives of residents and visitors alike. Your Committee further finds that fashion and design education programs in the University of Hawaii System and at other universities in the State can provide the training necessary to advance creative entrepreneurs in these industry sectors. This measure therefore requests the convening of the Hawaii Creative Innovation Group to develop a strategy by which the State can grow emerging creative sectors into new brands, music placement, music sectors, companies, and value-added businesses in design, fashion, and technology.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Energy, Economic Development, and Tourism that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.C.R. No. 184, and recommends its adoption.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Energy, Economic Development, and Tourism,

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LYNN DECOITE, Chair