Senate committee advances resolutions urging state acquisition of Hawaii Theatre

The Senate Committee on Transportation and Culture and the Arts voted to advance Senate Concurrent Resolution 131 and Senate Resolution 110, which urge the state to acquire the Hawaii Theatre.

Gregory Dunn, president and chief executive officer of Hawaii Theatre Center, testified in support and said he stood on his written testimony and was available to answer questions. He told the committee he had discussed the issue with members of both chambers but was not aware of acquisition funding in this year’s budget.

The nut graf: The resolutions ask the state to take steps toward acquiring a cultural landmark; supporters urged action but acknowledged the current budget does not include appropriation for purchase.

During the brief committee decision phase, the chair recommended passing SCR 131 and SR 110 unamended. The committee recorded the recommendation as adopted; the record shows the chair and committee members voting in favor.

The transcript contains no reference to an appropriation, an acquisition timeline, or conditions the state would place on an acquisition. Dunn told the committee only that he was not aware of acquisition funding in the budget and that meetings had occurred with House and Senate members to start a process. The committee did not adopt any amendments to require funding, appraisals, or a specific acquisition schedule.

The measures will move forward in the legislative process per the committee vote. The record does not show a finalized purchase agreement, a funding source, or an implementation plan at this stage.

Looking ahead: committee action advances the resolutions to the next legislative steps; any request for state funds or purchase authority would need to appear in future budget or implementing legislation.