Bill > SB582

This bill transfers the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts and the King Kamehameha Celebration Commission from the Department of Accounting and General Services to the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism (DBEDT), shifting administrative oversight and certain responsibilities to the new department. The bill establishes a new Performing Arts Grants Program within the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts to provide grants for coordinating, planning, promoting, marketing, and executing performing arts events. It clarifies the foundation's responsibilities to include performing arts coordination and expands the definition of "arts" to explicitly include performing arts. The bill also modifies the Works of Art Special Fund to limit its use to costs related to acquiring, planning, designing, and constructing works of art. Additionally, the legislation transfers all existing records, equipment, contracts, and personnel from the Department of Accounting and General Services to DBEDT, ensuring that employees maintain their current status, salary, and benefits during the transition. The bill requires the foundation to submit annual reports on performing arts grants to the legislature and will take effect on July 1, 2050, providing a comprehensive reorganization of cultural and arts-related administrative functions in the state government.

Budget and Finance, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=582&year=2026