STAND. COM. REP. NO. 247-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2026

RE: H.B. No. 2001

H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Madame:

Your Committee on Culture & Arts, to which was referred H.B. No. 2001 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO LOVE MY LIBRARY DAY,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to designate the first Friday in February of each year as "Love My Library Day" in the State.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Education; Hawaiʻi State Public Library System; Friends of the Library of Hawaiʻi; and numerous individuals.

Your Committee finds that libraries serve as vital community institutions that promote lifelong learning, equitable access to information, and civic participation for residents of all ages and backgrounds. Despite the transformative role libraries play, greater public awareness and appreciation are needed to ensure their continued support and sustainability. This measure designates the first Friday in February of each year as "Love My Library Day" to honor the contributions of libraries and library employees and encourage community engagement in sustaining these trusted centers of knowledge and connection.

Your Committee has amended this measure by changing the effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Culture & Arts that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2001, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 2001, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs.

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

____________________________

JEANNE KAPELA, Chair