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Dear Arts Advocates,

HB1378-HD2-SD2-CD1 has passed the Legislature and now sits on Governor Green’s desk. This bill threatens to dismantle decades of progress in arts and culture funding and significantly weakens the infrastructure that supports artists, schools, and communities across Hawai‘i.

TAKE ACTION TODAY

Governor Green is accepting public comments on bills currently under review. Use the link below to urge him to veto HB1378 and protect Hawai‘i’s creative and cultural ecosystem:

 Submit your comment here

Why HB1378 Must Be Vetoed

• Cuts to Core Programs:
  HB1378 subjects the State Foundation’s budget to administrative restrictions—typically a 5% reduction and an additional 5% restriction—resulting in a loss of more than $400,000. That’s equivalent to eliminating funding for 43 Artists-in-the-Schools residencies across the state.
   
• Undermines Hawai‘i’s Cultural Legacy:
  The bill alters the intent and impact of Hawai‘i’s landmark “Percent for Art” law, a national model since 1989 for advancing public access to the arts.
   
• Destabilizes the Works of Art Special Fund (WOASF):
  HB1378 reduces the annual appropriation from $5.5 million to $3 million, jeopardizing the long-term sustainability of community-based arts programs and initiatives across the islands.

A Better Path Forward

Rather than dismantling the Works of Art Special Fund, we are calling for the formation of a collaborative task force—including the Department of Budget & Finance, the Attorney General’s Office, the Governor’s Office, SFCA, and key legislative committee chairs. With meaningful input from community arts and cultural leaders, this group would:

• Address legislative concerns raised this session
• Strengthen transparency, oversight, and equity in arts funding
• Preserve the WOASF’s core intent and purpose
• Explore thoughtful, inclusive pathways to expand WOASF to support both visual and performing arts

With the federal administration now proposing to eliminate the National Endowment for the Arts, this is not the time to destabilize state funding for the arts. Together, we can chart a future for arts and culture in Hawai‘i that is visionary, inclusive, and resilient.

Let your voice be heard.
Urge a veto of HB1378 and support a united, collaborative approach to safeguarding Hawai‘i’s creative future.

With deep appreciation,
The Hawai‘i Arts Alliance Team