STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2756

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 3022

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 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 and intent 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 an inspiration to others.

Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Department of Accounting and General Services, Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women, and City and County of Honolulu Mayor's Office of Culture and the Arts.

Your Committee received written comments in opposition to this measure from one individual.

Your Committee finds that the Aloha Order of Merit was established to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions in a field and achieved national or international recognition for work that has been pioneering or outstanding. Your Committee also finds that there is no equivalent honor for individuals who have made significant contributions to the State. Accordingly, your Committee finds that this measure will provide a means to recognize individuals who have made considerable and outstanding contributions to the State in their respective fields, and who serve as an inspiration to others.

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 S.B. No. 3022, 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