Hawaii's business community, particularly those involved in the vibrant world of Native Hawaiian arts and culture, could soon see a significant boost. Senators Brian Schatz, Mazie Hirono, and Lisa Murkowski have introduced the Native Arts and Culture Promotion Act, a bipartisan bill with the potential to unlock millions in federal funding for Native Hawaiian organizations. This legislation amends the Native Hawaiian and Alaska Native Culture and Arts grant program, opening doors for increased financial support of cultural activities throughout the islands.
The focus of the bill is to correct technical issues that previously restricted Native Hawaiian organizations from fully accessing federal funds, as highlighted by Maui Now's recent report. The Act aims to allow the National Park Service to award grants to a wider range of organizations engaged in the preservation and promotion of Native Hawaiian culture and art. Senator Schatz emphasized that the bill provides a common-sense fix to allow Native Hawaiian Organizations to access millions of dollars in federal funding to deliver vital cultural and educational programs to communities across Hawaiʻi.
