Hawaii House Bill HCR142

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/7/25
• Refer: 3/14/25
• Report Pass: 3/27/25
• Refer: 3/27/25
• Report Pass: 4/3/25
• Refer: 4/4/25
• Report Pass: 4/15/25
• Engrossed: 4/16/25
• Passed: 4/16/25

Caption

Urging The Hawaii Tourism Authority And Department Of Transportation To Expand The Khea Airport Greetings Program To Display Keiki Art In All Neighbor Island Airports.

Impact

The resolution notes that funding for the Kāhea Airport Greetings Program was cut in the fiscal year 2025, leading to a request by the HTA for $888,889 in funding for the program's continuation and expansion in the upcoming fiscal years 2026 and 2027. If granted, this funding would support the exhibition of keiki art at various airports, significantly enhancing the visibility of student creativity beyond Oʻahu. This effort aligns with the Visitor Experience Initiative, emphasizing both cultural enrichment and economic enhancement through tourism.

Summary

HCR142, introduced in the Hawaii State Legislature, urges the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) and the Department of Transportation to expand the Kāhea Airport Greetings Program. This program currently showcases student artwork at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport and aims to boost visitor experiences while promoting Native Hawaiian culture. By extending this initiative to all neighbor island airports—including Kahului, Līhuʻe, and Kona—the resolution seeks to provide equitable opportunities for local student artists and foster a deeper appreciation for the diverse cultural identities across Hawaii's islands.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding HCR142 is the potential challenge of securing sufficient funding amidst budget constraints and competing legislative priorities. Critics may argue that while showcasing student art is valuable, the effectiveness of such initiatives in improving overall visitor experiences or their impact on Hawaii's economy needs further assessment. Additionally, there may be discussions on the importance of balancing cultural promotion with the need for sustainable tourism practices in Hawaiian communities.