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HCR 162

REQUESTING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN ARTS DATA AND MAPPING TASK FORCE TO CONDUCT A STATEWIDE SURVEY OF ENTITIES ENGAGED IN ARTS AND ARTS EDUCATION AND DEVELOP A COMPREHENSIVE STATEWIDE DATABASE AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM MAP OF ARTS ENTITIES AND PROGRAMS.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Terez Amato and 9 co-sponsors

Establish a statewide Arts Data and Mapping Task Force to build a public database and GIS map of arts entities and programs to improve access, coordination, and policy decisions.

Received from House (Hse. Com. No. 579).
#arts #artseducation #geographicinformationsystemmap #statewidedatabase #survey #taskforce
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Bill Summary · HCR 162

Summary of Bill HCR 162 (Session 2026, Hawaii)

1) Purpose and Intent

  • HCR 162 requests the establishment of an Arts Data and Mapping Task Force to improve statewide information about arts and arts education.
  • The goal is to create a comprehensive statewide database and a publicly accessible geographic information system (GIS) map of arts entities and programs, addressing gaps in current local or county-level data.
  • The resolution emphasizes that better data can help nonprofits, funders, policymakers, educators, and grantmakers identify service gaps, coordinate efforts, and make informed policy and funding decisions.

2) Key Provisions and Changes

Establishment and Leadership

  • The President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Hawaii Youth Symphony is asked to convene the task force and serve as Chairperson.
  • The task force comprises a diverse mix of arts funders, educators, government leaders, and data professionals, including:
    • Executive leaders from the Hawaii Arts Alliance and the Hawaii Community Foundation’s Arts and Culture program
    • Senate and House chairs with jurisdiction over culture and the arts
    • Hawaii Statewide Geographical Information Systems (GIS) Program Manager
    • Representatives from the Hawaii Data Collaborative, State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, Department of Education, Hawaii Association of Independent Schools, State Public Charter School Commission, and an arts education program from a neighbor island
    • An alumnus or student from the Hawaii Youth Symphony
    • Other invited individuals with relevant expertise

Scope and Activities

  • Conduct a statewide survey of entities engaged in arts and arts education, including public and private schools, municipal services, nonprofit organizations, and private businesses.
  • Identify:
    • Types of programs and services
    • Populations served
    • Geographic distribution of arts activities across Hawaii
  • Develop and maintain a comprehensive statewide database of arts entities and programs.
  • Create a publicly accessible GIS map displaying the collected data.
  • Identify barriers to access and underserved areas.
  • Provide recommendations for ongoing collection, maintenance, and public dissemination of arts data.
  • Develop a statewide dataset to support equitable access to arts education. Specifics:
    • The dataset shall be descriptive, outlining availability and geographic distribution of arts education opportunities.
    • The dataset shall not measure the quality, outcomes, or effectiveness of any program, service, or entity included.

Reports and Timelines

  • Interim report focused on music and dance due to the Legislature no later than 20 days before the 2028 Regular Session convenes.
  • Final report covering findings and recommendations (including any proposed legislation) due no later than 20 days before the 2030 Regular Session convenes.

3) Who Would Be Affected

Stakeholders and Beneficiaries

  • Students and general public who access arts education and programs
  • Public and private schools, municipal services, nonprofits, and private businesses offering arts education
  • Policymakers and legislators, who would gain improved data to guide decisions
  • Grantmakers, funders, and philanthropic organizations
  • Arts organizations and cultural institutions statewide
  • Neighbor island and diverse community arts programs, which may gain greater visibility and support through mapping and data

4) Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Referred through the Hawaii Legislature’s committees (WLA, CAA, FIN) with standard legislative review and amendments possible.
  • Interim report: due 20 days before the 2028 Regular Session convenes (focused on music and dance).
  • Final report: due 20 days before the 2030 Regular Session convenes (holistic findings on arts and arts education, including proposed legislation).
  • Certified copies of the resolution would be transmitted to key government and nonprofit entities involved in education, arts governance, data infrastructure, and independent schools.

5) Additional Context

  • The measure frames the data initiative as a public good: increased transparency, accessibility, and strategic planning to support Hawaii’s creative economy and cultural well-being.
  • The resolution explicitly states that the dataset is descriptive and not a measure of program quality or outcomes, limiting potential evaluative use in this phase.

If you’d like, I can provide a one-page plain-language briefing or a side-by-side comparison with similar arts-data initiatives in other states.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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