Submitting for consideration and confirmation to the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, Gubernatorial Nominee, C. MAKANANI SALA, for a term to expire 06-30-2030.

2026 Regular Session

C. Makanani Sala is nominated and confirmed to join the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, serving a term through June 30, 2030, to guide Hawaii’s cultural funding and progr

Confirmed. Ayes, 24. Aye(s) with reservations: none. Noes, 0 (none). Excused, 1 (Senator(s) San Buenaventura).

#statefoundationoncultureandthearts

Summary of GM 770 (Session 2026) – Hawaii

Purpose and Intent

This joint testimonial is a gubernatorial nominee submission for the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts.

The Governor (Josh Green, M.D.) nominates C. Makanani Sala to the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts for a term expiring June 30, 2030.

The action is for the Hawaii State Senate to consider and confirm the appointment as required by Article V, Section 6 of the Hawaii Constitution.

Key Provisions and Changes

Nomination: C. Makanani Sala is proposed to serve on the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts.

Term Length: The nominated term would run through June 30, 2030.

Confirmation Process: The bill transmits the nomination to the Senate for consideration and confirmation, consistent with constitutional procedures. The record shows the legislative process culminating in confirmation.

Who/What Is Affected

Affected Entity: State Foundation on Culture and the Arts (SFCA), a state agency/entity responsible for cultural programming, arts funding, and related initiatives.

Nominee: C. Makanani Sala, whose appointment would join the SFCA as a gubernatorial appointee.

Governance Impact: Upon confirmation, Sala would participate in SFCA governance, helping set policies, funding decisions, and program direction related to Hawaii’s culture and arts sectors.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Nomination Date: Submitted to the Senate on March 16, 2026.

Committee Activity:

House: Not applicable (the document is a gubernatorial nomination transmitted to the Senate; related committee activity is reported in the Senate Committee on Ways and Means and Legislative Auditor processes as standard for confirmation).
Senate: The nomination underwent committee review by the WLA (Ways and Means and Appropriations) or relevant Senate committee, with public hearings and a recommendation to advise and consent.

Public Hearings: A public hearing was scheduled for April 23, 2026, at 1:00 PM (Conference Room 225 & Videoconference).

Final Action: The Senate confirmed the nomination on May 8, 2026, with a vote of 24 in favor, 0 against, and 1 excused. No reservations were noted in the confirmation.

Effective Status: The nomination is confirmed and the term will proceed to its expiration date of June 30, 2030, barring any other legislative actions.

Implications and Potential Impact

Cultural Policy: The confirmed SFCA member will influence funding priorities, program development, and strategic direction for Hawaii’s cultural and artistic activities.

Community Impact: Hawaii’s arts communities may experience shifts in grant allocation, project support, and statewide culture initiatives based on the board’s decisions.

Accountability and Governance: The confirmation process reflects legislative oversight of executive branch appointments to key cultural institutions.

If you want, I can add a brief biosketch of C. Makanani Sala (if available) and outline potential areas of focus based on SFCA’s recent programs and Hawaii’s cultural agenda.