Posted on: Wednesday, February 12, 2003

Public art proposed to honor Mink

Associated Press

Citing her staunch advocacy for equal rights and her work for Hawai'i at the federal level, state lawmakers are proposing to honor the late U.S. Rep. Patsy Mink with a work of art.

The House Committee on Tourism and Culture yesterday deferred a decision on the bill after concerns were raised about costs, the type of artwork and where it would be placed.

House Tourism Chairman Jerry Chang, D-2nd (S. Hilo), said the bill was deferred to revise language and state that a painting or portrait would be preferred.

Ronald Yamakawa, executive director of the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, said a portrait would cost $20,000 to $50,000. He said the most recent artwork commissioned was a portrait of former Gov. Ben Cayetano, which cost about $30,000.

By contrast, the cost of a statue or sculpture, including landscaping, could run as high as $250,000, Yamakawa said.

He said it would be up to the Legislature to direct the foundation on the type of symbolism the artwork should include.

Mink, one of the most liberal voices on Capitol Hill, served in the U.S. House of Representatives for 24 years. She died Sept. 28 at age 74.