Hawaii Senate Bill SB1031

Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/20/23
• Refer: 1/27/23

Caption

Relating To The State Historic Preservation Division.

Impact

This legislation seeks to bolster the operations of the State Historic Preservation Division by providing necessary financial support aimed at digitizing historic records. Such modernization efforts can significantly enhance public accessibility to Hawaii's historic documentation, thereby fostering greater engagement and education about the state's rich heritage. The strategic investment is designed to ensure that the division fulfills its critical role in preserving and protecting Hawai‘i's historic resources.

Summary

SB1031 is a bill introduced in the Hawaii legislature aimed at enhancing the functionalities of the State Historic Preservation Division. It proposes the appropriation of $800,000 out of the state's general revenues specifically for a library digitization process intended to improve access to the division's historical archives. The bill also allocates an additional $450,000 for the fiscal year 2023-2024 and $650,000 for the fiscal year 2024-2025 for operational funding of the State Historic Preservation Division. This funding is seen as crucial for maintaining and improving the state's historical resources.

Contention

While the bill generally appears to have support due to its focus on preservation and modernization, there may be discussions around budget allocations during legislative sessions. Specific concerns could arise regarding the long-term sustainability of funds allocated and whether they are sufficient to meet ongoing operational demands. As state budgets can often be tight, there may be contention regarding prioritization of these funds compared to other pressing state needs or initiatives.