U.S. Senators Brian Schatz, Mazie K. Hirono, and Lisa Murkowski have introduced the Native Arts & Culture Promotion Act in an effort to support Native arts and culture and expand access to federal funding for Native Hawaiian Organizations (NHOs). The bipartisan bill aims to amend the Native Hawaiian and Alaska Native Culture and Arts grant program by addressing restrictive language that has prevented NHOs from qualifying for grants.
Senator Schatz, Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, stated, "Our bill provides a common-sense fix so that Native Hawaiian Organizations can access millions of dollars in federal funding to deliver vital cultural and educational programs to communities across Hawai‘i."
The grant program, established in 1994, supports scholarly study and instruction related to contemporary culture and arts among Native Hawaiians and Alaska Natives. Under current rules, some NHOs have faced barriers due to outdated statutory requirements. The proposed legislation clarifies eligibility criteria so that organizations with a governing board composed of Native Hawaiians or recognized experts in the field can apply for funds.
Janet Bullard, Acting Director of Government Relations for Bishop Museum, commented on the importance of this change: "Allowing the National Park Service to award more grants to a greater variety of Native Hawaiian organizations provides a more easily accessible and streamlined process for Native Hawaiian Organizations who are often understaffed and under-resourced to readily submit proposals for their unique initiatives which perpetuate the storytelling and expression of Native Hawaiian arts and cultural practices."
Supporters of the bill include several local institutions such as the University of Hawai‘i, Bishop Museum, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Hawai‘i Council for the Humanities, Hawai‘i Community Foundation, and Hawaiian Council. In addition to its introduction in the Senate, companion legislation has been brought forward in the House by Representatives Jill Tokuda and Ed Case.
