Bill > HB925

This bill establishes a Performing Arts Special Fund to support and expand arts programming in Hawaii by creating a dedicated funding mechanism for performing arts events. The fund will be created within the state treasury and will receive money from legislative appropriations, grants, donations, and a new 1% surcharge on ticket sales for concerts held at state-owned venues. The bill defines "concerts" as live musical, comedy, or specialty performances, and "performing arts" broadly to include dance, singing, musical performances, and theater. Notably, the bill exempts concerts primarily performed by students from public schools or the University of Hawaii from the ticket sale surcharge. The State Foundation on Culture and the Arts will manage the fund, using the collected revenues to coordinate, plan, promote, market, and execute performing arts events. This legislation builds upon Hawaii's historical commitment to supporting the arts, referencing the state's 1967 percent-for-art law that originally designated 1% of construction costs for art acquisition. The bill aims to enhance public access to arts and culture opportunities across the state while maintaining sound financial management.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=925&year=2026