Proposal renews push for ‘State of Hawaii Symphony Orchestra’

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - A renewed proposal involving the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra (HSO) hopes to hit all the right notes this legislative session.

Senate Bill 2603, along with companion House Bill 1860, would designate the HSO as the official State of Hawaii Symphony Orchestra.

If approved, the bill will provide the nonprofit with a state-funded grant of up to $500,000. It also requires annual reports to the legislature.

Supporters said it’s essential to help the symphony thrive.

“The additional support from the state will enable us to keep our musicians employed, who don’t just perform on stage, but they also teach our keiki, they teach our children all throughout the community. They are the linchpin, really, of the musical community on this island,” said Dane Lam, HSO music and artistic director.

Dave Erdman, interim president and CEO of Retail Merchants of Hawaii, said, “The symphony is important as an economic driver.”

“It’s important as the symphony brings people together to hear their performances, and then they go to eat, or they go to shop prior, or afterwards,” he said.

SB 2603 has already passed its first committee hearing.

The House Committee on Culture and Arts is set to hold its first hearing on the measure on Friday at 9:30 a.m.