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.
Summary
SR138 is a Senate resolution requesting the Hawaii State Archives to broaden its public outreach and programming, with an emphasis on sharing historical material that may be relevant to current issues and creating more opportunities for public discussion and civic engagement. The resolution specifically encourages the Archives to present history through the perspectives of different communities, including women, immigrants, and Native Hawaiians, and to develop educational offerings that can serve teachers and students at multiple levels.
The resolution also asks the Department of Accounting and General Services to study potential revenue-generating opportunities associated with a new State Archives facility envisioned in the Archives Master Plan. That study is intended to help identify long-term funding sources for operations and programs, while considering expanded storage and research space, publicly accessible display areas, digital classrooms, event space, and a civics education center. As a resolution, SR138 does not itself change statutory law or appropriate funds, but it expresses legislative support and directs agencies to examine future planning and financing options.
Impact
SR138 does not amend the Hawaii Revised Statutes or create a binding regulatory program; instead, it functions as a legislative request and policy statement. Its practical impact is to encourage the State Archives and DAGS to expand public-facing educational and civic programming, and to evaluate facility and revenue options that could shape future capital planning, archival operations, and public access to historical records. The resolution may influence future budget requests, master planning, and facility development decisions for the State Archives and related DAGS responsibilities.
Sentiment
The available voting history suggests generally positive sentiment toward the resolution. The Senate Transportation and Culture and the Arts committee passed the measure with amendments by a 4-0 vote, indicating unanimous support among those voting and little visible opposition in committee. The resolution’s focus on preservation, education, and civic engagement appears to have broad appeal.
Contention
There is little evidence of major contention in the available record. The main policy questions are prospective rather than adversarial: how ambitious the State Archives expansion should be, what kinds of public programming and civic education functions it should include, and whether revenue-generating features of a new facility are feasible or appropriate. Any disagreement would likely center on funding, facility scope, and the balance between archival preservation and public-use space, but no specific opposition is reflected in the provided materials.
Same As
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.