Aloha Arts and Culture Community,
The 2025 legislative session is underway, and new bills have been introduced that will significantly impact the future of arts and culture in our state. Two critical bills, HB 1299 and SB 1236, are scheduled for hearings in the coming weeks, and your voice is essential to protect funding for the arts.
What’s at Stake
These identical companion bills, introduced by the finance chairs of both houses, propose severe cuts to the Works of Art Special Fund (WOASF), a dedicated source of arts funding. While the bills allocate general funds to replace the lost revenue temporarily, there is no guarantee that funding will continue after two years. Without this reliable source, the arts will be at greater risk during economic downturns or shifts in legislative priorities.
The State Foundation on Culture and the Arts (SFCA) is classified in government under "Culture & Recreation," the lowest priority category in the state budget. Historically, this has made it vulnerable to cuts during recessions, but the current special and federal funding structure has provided some protection. Shifting back to general funds would undermine this stability and jeopardize the arts in Hawai'i.
How You Can Help
We need a united effort to defend culture and the arts. Here’s how you can get involved:
- Learn About the Bills. Links are provided here to HB 1299 and SB 1236, a fact sheet explaining their implications, and a template you can use to contact legislators or draft testimony.
- Submit Testimony. Register on the Hawai'i State Legislature website to prepare your testimony and watch for hearing announcements. When the bills are scheduled for hearings, submit testimony urging legislators to maintain the current 1% WOASF dedicated funding for the arts.
- Attend Hearings in Person. In-person attendance makes a powerful statement. If you’re able, we encourage you to show up and voice your support for the arts. If you cannot attend in person, please join via Zoom.
- Contact Legislators. Reach out to your representatives and committee members to share your concerns. Express how these cuts would directly affect you, your community, and the broader cultural landscape of Hawai'i.
Why This Matters
The arts are more than a line item in the budget—they are the heartbeat of our communities, reflecting our values, identity, and history. Losing dedicated funding for the arts would have immediate and negative consequences across the state, affecting jobs, programs, and cultural preservation.
What's Next
Please make plans to join us for:
Civic Engagement in the Arts Zoom Call
When: Thursday, January 30 at 12:00 p.m. HST
Where: Join the Zoom Meeting
Mobilizing at the Capitol Modern on First Friday
When: Friday, February 7
Where: Capitol Modern
Connect with fellow arts and culture advocates as we prepare to make our voices heard. More details to come—stay tuned!
For questions, contact SFCA Executive Director Karen Ewald at karen.a.ewald@hawaii.gov.
Mahalo nui loa for your commitment and advocacy!
Gaye Humphrey
Executive Director
Hawai'i Arts Alliance
