Hawaii HR 123: URGING THE STATE TO ACQUIRE THE HAWAII THEATRE TO PROMOTE LOCAL CULTURE AND ARTS, PRESERVE ITS HISTORIC AND CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE, AND FACILITATE ITS CONTINUED PUBLIC USE.

Bill Text

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025
STATE OF HAWAII U
HOUSE RESOLUTION
URGING THE STATE TO ACQUIRE THE HAWAII THEATRE TO PROMOTE LOCAL
CULTURE AND ARTS, PRESERVE ITS HISTORIC AND CULTURAL
SIGNIFICANCE, AND FACILITATE ITS CONTINUED PUBLIC USE.
1 WHEREAS, the Hawaii Theatre, located in downtown Honolulu,
2 is a historic landmark that has served as a cultural and
3 performing arts center since opening in 1922; and
4
5 WHEREAS, the theatre has played a significant role in the
6 State’s cultural and artistic heritage, hosting performances,
7 concerts, and community events that celebrate the State’s
8 diverse history and traditions; and
9
10 WHEREAS, the preservation and continued operation of the
11 Hawaii Theatre are vital to supporting the arts, fostering
12 economic development, and enhancing the vibrancy of Honolulu’s
13 downtown district; and
14
15 WHEREAS, the State has invested approximately $30 million
16 in public grants and assistance for the renovation and
17 preservation of the Hawaii Theater; and
18
19 WHEREAS, public ownership of the Hawaii Theatre by the
20 State would ensure its long-term preservation, allow for
21 necessary renovations and improvements, and expand access to
22 arts and cultural programming for residents and visitors alike;
23 and
24
25 WHEREAS, investing in the Hawaii Theatre aligns with the
26 State’s broader efforts to promote historical preservation,
27 economic revitalization, and cultural enrichment in Hawaii; now,
28 therefore,
29
30 BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the
31 Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session
32 of 2025, that the State is urged to acquire the Hawaii Theatre
33 to promote local culture and arts, preserve its historic and
34 cultural significance, and facilitate its continued public use;
35 and
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2 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the State is requested to work
3 collaboratively with local arts organizations, cultural
4 institutions, and community stakeholders to develop a long-term
5 operational plan for the Hawaii Theatre that maximizes public
6 benefit; and
7
8 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this
9 Resolution be transmitted to the Governor, President of the
10 Senate, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Executive
11 Director of the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, and
12 Chief Executive Officer of the Hawaii Theatre Center.
OFFERED BY: ____________________________
MAR 072025
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