Hawaii House Bill HR136

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
• Passed: 4/3/25

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 impact of H.R. 136 includes greater exposure and opportunities for young artists from neighbor islands to display their work, thus encouraging local talent and supporting educational programs. As the current program is facing funding cuts and a request for nearly $889,000 for the upcoming fiscal years remains under consideration, the resolution calls for securing necessary funds to continue and expand such culturally vital initiatives. The anticipated outcome is not only to enrich the travel experience but also to reinforce the cultural values and identities of students across the islands.

Summary

House Resolution 136 urges the Hawaii Tourism Authority and the Department of Transportation to expand the Kāhea Airport Greetings Program, which currently showcases student artwork only at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, to include all neighbor island airports. The bill emphasizes the significance of enhancing visitor experiences while simultaneously promoting and preserving Native Hawaiian culture and the diverse cultural tapestry of Hawaii. By incorporating keiki art displays in various airports across Hawaii, the resolution aims to foster appreciation for local art and culture among visitors and residents alike.

Contention

While the bill is largely supportive of enhancing local artistry and tourism, it may face contention regarding the allocation of funds. Discussions may arise over the prioritization of budgetary resources, particularly in a fiscal environment where several programs compete for limited funds. Moreover, stakeholders might debate the effectiveness of such an expansion in terms of actual cultural impact versus its perceived value on tourism. There may also be discussions surrounding the operational logistics of implementing the expansion across multiple airports.