Committee backs amended resolutions to expand State Archives public outreach

The Senate Committee on Transportation and Culture and the Arts voted to advance Senate Concurrent Resolution 169 and Senate Resolution 138, which request the State Archives to expand public outreach, share Hawaii’s history, create opportunities for civic discussion, and evaluate funding opportunities to support that mission.

Dr. Adam Jansen, state archivist, testified in strong support on behalf of Comptroller Keith Regan and said the archives stands ready to use primary-source records to improve civic understanding. Melissa Tirado, a master’s of social work student at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, testified remotely and urged the committee to incorporate ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi outreach and to ensure Native individuals and communities work closely with the archives.

Why it matters: The amendments the chair proposed, and the committee adopted, explicitly respond to testimony requesting reference to indigenous culture and outreach methods. Supporters said better access to primary documents could increase civic literacy and engagement.

During floor action the chair recommended passing SCR 169 and SR 138 with amendments to address indigenous-culture concerns mentioned in testimony; the committee adopted the amended recommendation. The record does not show a specific funding amount; the resolutions ask the archives to evaluate funding opportunities.

The committee’s action advances the resolutions with committee-directed language to strengthen outreach to Native communities and explore Hawaiian-language channels for dissemination and civic engagement. The resolutions do not themselves appropriate funds or create a specific program; any funding would require separate appropriation or administrative action.