STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3650

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.B. No. 1860

H.D. 2

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred H.B. No. 1860, H.D. 2, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE HAWAII SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to support performing arts in the State.

Specifically, this measure:

(1) Designates the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra as the State of Hawaii Symphony Orchestra;

(2) Exempts the receipt of state funds by the State of Hawaii Symphony Orchestra from the provisions of chapter 42F, Hawaii Revised Statutes;

(3) Authorizes the Comptroller and Auditor to examine the use of state funds appropriated to the State of Hawaii Symphony Orchestra; and

(4) Requires the State of Hawaii Symphony Orchestra to submit annual reports to the Legislature.

Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from ABC Stores, Servco Pacific Inc., Retail Merchants of Hawaii, Tau Dance Theater, Hawai`i Symphony Orchestra, Hawaiian Steel Guitar Association, Hawaii Youth Symphony, and numerous individuals.

Your Committee received written comments in opposition to this measure from two individuals.

Your Committee received written comments on this measure from one individual.

Your Committee finds that the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra provides significant public benefits through its performances, including artistic and cultural education for students and enjoyment by the community. Your Committee further finds that designating the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra as the State of Hawaii Symphony Orchestra will enable the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra to regularly obtain state funds to help defer its general operating costs in exchange for certain services to the State.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1860, H.D. 2, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

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DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair