Hawai‘i lawmakers have passed a bill that creates a performing arts grant program but also limits the state arts agency's use of its special fund.
House Bill 1378 heads to the governor’s office for final approval. The measure would give the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts $300,000 annually for the next two years to support performing arts.
It would also limit the use of the Works of Art Special Fund. It cannot pay for operations like staff salaries and upkeep of state-owned art.
Artists have rallied against the measure. They say it threatens broader funding for the arts.
The governor has until late June to announce whether he intends to veto the bill.
