HI HB2438

Establishes the Hawaii Cultural Trust within the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to provide long-term funding support for arts, culture, and heritage organizations in Hawaii.

Creates a Hawaii Cultural Trust Account that receives funds from legislative appropriations, government grants, private donations, special license plate fees, and interest earnings, with funds allocated 50% to the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts and 50% to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.

Establishes an income tax credit for taxpayers who contribute to both the Hawaii Cultural Trust and qualified Hawaii cultural organizations, with maximum credits of $500 for individual filers, $1,000 for joint filers, and $2,500 for corporations.

Authorizes special license plates supporting the Hawaii Cultural Trust, with fundraising fees from plate sales deposited into the trust account.

Creates a Hawaii Cultural Trust Advisory Committee to advise on fund distribution priorities, program criteria, and community input, with members including representatives from cultural organizations and Native Hawaiian practitioners.