REQUESTING THE STATE ARCHIVES TO EXPAND PUBLIC OUTREACH, SHARE HAWAII'S HISTORY THAT MAY PROVE RELEVANT TODAY, CREATE OPPORTUNITIES FOR PUBLIC DISCUSSION AND CIVIC ENGAGEMENT, AND EVALUATE FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES TO SUPPORT ITS MISSION.

2025 Regular Session

The bill urges expanding State Archives outreach and civic engagement while studying sustainable funding and a larger, multi-use facility.

Received from House (Hse. Com. No. 743).

#civicengagement #dags #publicoutreach #statearchives #study

Summary: SCR169 (SD1) – State Archives Outreach, Civic Engagement, and Facility Funding Study

What the bill is

SCR169 is a concurrent resolution adopted by Hawaii’s Legislature in 2025. It expresses the sense of both the Senate and House that the State Archives should expand public outreach, share Hawaii’s history in ways relevant to today, foster public discussion and civic engagement, and explore funding opportunities to support its mission. The measure also directs the Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS) to study potential revenue-generation opportunities associated with a proposed new State Archives facility and to consider an expanded facility with enhanced storage, research, display, and civic-education capabilities.

Purpose and intent

Recognize State Archives as the custodian of Hawaii’s public memory and its historical records since 1905.

Emphasize the need to broaden public understanding of Hawaii’s history, share relevant historical narratives, and increase civic education and engagement.

Ensure public programming includes diverse perspectives (women, immigrants, Native Hawaiians) and supports educational spaces for teachers and students.

Explore sustainable funding mechanisms to support ongoing operations and programs through a future or expanded State Archives facility.

Key provisions and changes

State Archives is urged to:

Expand public outreach and share Hawaii’s history that may be informative for contemporary issues.
Create new opportunities for public discussion and civic engagement, incorporating diverse community perspectives.
Evaluate funding opportunities to support the Archives’ mission.

DAGS is requested to study revenue-generation opportunities for a new State Archives facility developed as part of the State Archives Master Plan, aiming to provide long-term funding for operations and programs.

The study should consider an expanded facility that includes:

Increased storage and research spaces designed to last for generations.
Museum-grade, publicly accessible display areas.
Multi-purpose digital classrooms and event spaces.
A civics education center.

Certified copies of SCR169 are to be transmitted to the Comptroller and the State Archivist.

Context and background

The State Archives has outgrown its facility, with structural concerns identified in a 2024 analysis, and is developing a Master Plan for a new/expanded facility alongside expanded public programming.

The envisioned public programming would include educational space for learners at all levels and diverse storytelling that aligns with today’s civic discourse.

Procedural and timeline notes

Status: Referred from the House (Hse. Com. No. 743) and transmitted to the Senate in April 2025; adopted in final form on April 16, 2025.

Related: SCR169 has a companion SR138 in the Senate (noted as related legislation).

Nature of action: Non-binding, policy-oriented concurrent resolution directing studies and outreach efforts rather than imposing new law or appropriations.

Potential impact

Aims to broaden public engagement with Hawaii’s history and civics.

Could influence future planning for a larger, more accessible State Archives facility and its funding model.

Signals legislative support for enhanced archival outreach, educational programming, and long-term facility planning.