HawaiiSB 30072025–2026 Regular Session (Year 2)Senate

RELATING TO CULTURE AND ARTS.

Sponsored By: Chris Lee (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Summary

Establishes the Office of Community Culture and Innovation within the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism for administrative purposes only. Requires annual reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds for an Executive Director position and Specialist position within the Office of Community Culture and Innovation. Establishes the Community and Cultural Partnerships Program. Effective 7/1/2050. (HD1)

Office of Community Culture, Arts, and InnovationDBEDTEstablishmentPositionsReportsAppropriationCAA, FIN

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Hawaii office backs arts-led community projects

Beginning July 1, 2026, a new office in Hawaii’s Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism leads culture- and arts-based community projects. The office must create a partnership program, starting with a revitalization plan for Honolulu’s Chinatown, and may award grants or hire contractors. The law provides $300,000 in general funds for fiscal year 2026–2027 to start the office, including a full-time director and specialist. The office must report to lawmakers each year, 20 days before the regular session, on its funding, work, and plans. It may help communities form local improvement districts, but the law does not set or impose fees.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Chris Lee

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • C.

    Affiliation unavailable

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 198 • No: 20

House vote • 5/6/2026

House Floor Vote

Yes: 44 • No: 6

House vote • 5/1/2026

The Conference Committee recommends that the measure be Passed, with Amendments....

Yes: 3 • No: 0

Senate vote • 5/1/2026

The Conference committee recommends that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS....

Yes: 3 • No: 0

House vote • 4/14/2026

House Floor Vote

Yes: 43 • No: 8

House vote • 4/7/2026

The committee on FIN recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes ...

Yes: 16 • No: 0

House vote • 3/24/2026

Passed Second Reading as amended in HD 1 and referred to the committee(s) on FIN...

Yes: 43 • No: 5

House vote • 3/18/2026

The committee on CAA recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The ...

Yes: 5 • No: 1

Senate vote • 3/10/2026

Senate Floor Vote

Yes: 25 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/3/2026

The committee(s) on WAM recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENT...

Yes: 12 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/18/2026

The committee(s) on WLA recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENT...

Yes: 4 • No: 0

Bill Text

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