Hawaii House Bill HCR112

Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/11/22
• Refer: 3/14/22
• Report Pass: 3/31/22
• Refer: 3/31/22

Caption

Urging The Governor To Appoint A Creative Resurgence Coordinator To The Governor's Cabinet.

Impact

The establishment of a Creative Resurgence Coordinator is intended to cultivate collaborative efforts between public and private sectors on initiatives that enhance the creative economy. Supporters argue that an organized approach will aid in addressing the specific needs of the creative sector, ensuring broader access and participation in creative activities across communities in Hawaii. This position could facilitate better communication and resource allocation that benefits artists and creative professionals, ultimately aiming for economic recovery and growth in this vital area.

Summary

HCR112 is a House Concurrent Resolution urging the Governor of Hawaii to appoint a Creative Resurgence Coordinator to his cabinet. This proposal arises from the recognition that creative arts play a significant role in Hawaii's cultural identity and economy, comprising roughly 6% of civilian jobs and contributing approximately $4.2 billion to the state's gross domestic product. The resolution emphasizes the need for governmental support in revitalizing the creative sector, which has been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Brookings Institute report serves as a backdrop, indicating Hawaii faced job losses in the creative economy that exceeded national averages, highlighting the urgency of the situation.

Contention

While the resolution points to concerns about the status of the creative arts, it subtly underscores potential disparities in attention to economic sectors. Some may argue about the allocation of government resources, questioning whether a specialized position is necessary or if existing frameworks could be leveraged more effectively. The dialogue about appointing a Creative Resurgence Coordinator invites scrutiny on how best to balance governmental support with existing economic initiatives, and whether this new role could address deeper systemic issues within Hawaii's economy.