Arts Advocates,

We want to extend a huge mahalo to each of you for showing up in full force at Thursday’s hearing! Your voices, presence, and unwavering support for the arts made a powerful impact.

WHAT YOU ACCOMPLISHED:

• The hearing room was packed, with an overflow crowd just outside, cheering audibly in support.
• Testifiers—both in-person and via Zoom—delivered compelling testimony in universal opposition to HB1378-HD2.
• Your advocacy efforts resonated with lawmakers, leading to important discussions about the bill’s impact.

Although HB1378-HD2 ultimately passed, we want to recognize and thank Senators Lorraine Inouye, Brandon Elefante, and Dru Mamo Kanuha for voting with serious reservations, as well as Senator Samantha DeCorte, who voted no. Their willingness to acknowledge concerns raised by the arts community underscores the importance of continued engagement and advocacy.

Your dedication, passion, and engagement are what make the arts community in Hawai‘i so powerful. Let’s keep building on this momentum together. 

Mahalo nui loa for standing up for the arts!

With gratitude,
Gaye Humphrey
Executive Director