STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1357-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2026

RE: S.B. No. 3022

S.D. 1

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 S.B. No. 3022, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO CULTURE AND ARTS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to establish the Hawaii Leadership Awards Program to honor individuals who have made considerable and outstanding contributions to the State and serve as inspirations to others.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Accounting and General Services; Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women; Hawaiʻi Youth Symphony; PlayBuilders of Hawaii Theater Company; Hawaiʻi Arts Alliance; and one individual.

Your Committee finds that Hawaii has long benefited from the leadership, talent, and service of individuals whose contributions have strengthened the State's cultural, civic, economic, and community life. While the Aloha Order of Merit recognizes persons who have achieved national or international distinction, there is value in establishing a separate program to honor individuals whose work has made a significant and lasting impact specifically within Hawaii. Recognizing these individuals can preserve their stories, celebrate excellence across diverse fields, and inspire future generations to contribute to the betterment of the State. This measure establishes the Hawaii Leadership Awards Program to formally acknowledge outstanding individuals whose achievements and service have enriched Hawaii and its people.

Your Committee has amended this measure by making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

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 S.B. No. 3022, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 3022, S.D. 1, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Finance.

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

____________________________

JEANNE KAPELA, Chair