HB 554: RELATING TO STATE HOLIDAYS.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO STATE HOLIDAYS.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that 2024 marks the two‑hundred thirty-fifth anniversary of the first arrival of Asian immigrant workers in the State.  As of July 1, 2022, approximately 37.1 per cent of the State's population, or over five hundred thousand residents, were of Asian descent.

     The legislature recognizes that the Asian community in Hawaii has made significant contributions to the State's social, civic, and economic success, as well as its diverse and vibrant culture, which includes the celebration of the Lunar New Year.  The Lunar New Year is joyously observed by numerous residents in the State and is celebrated by more than two-thirds of Chinese, Korean, Japanese, and Vietnamese Americans across the United States.  The Lunar New Year provides a time to renew one's family ties; reflect upon the past year; and wish for good fortune, health, and prosperity in the year ahead.    Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to designate the day of the second new moon after the winter solstice of each year as the Lunar New Year.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 8, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§8-     Lunar New Year.  The day of the second new moon after the winter solstice of each year shall be known and designated as "Lunar New Year".  This day is not and shall not be construed to be a state holiday."

     SECTION 3.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.

Report Title:

Day of Observance; Lunar New Year

Description:

Designates the day of the second new moon after the winter solstice of each year as the Lunar New Year.  Effective 7/1/3000.  (HD1)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

Relating to State Holidays.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that 2024 marks the two‑hundred thirty-fifth anniversary of the first arrival of Asian immigrant workers in the State.  As of July 1, 2022, approximately 37.1 per cent of the State's population, over five hundred thousand residents, were of Asian descent.

     The legislature recognizes that the Asian community in Hawaii has made significant contributions to the State's social, civic, and economic success, as well as its diverse and vibrant culture, which includes the celebration of the Lunar New Year.  The Lunar New Year is joyously observed by numerous residents in the State and is celebrated by more than two-thirds of Chinese, Korean, Japanese, and Vietnamese Americans across the United States.  The Lunar New Year provides a time to renew one's family ties; reflect upon the past year; and wish for good fortune, health, and prosperity in the year ahead.

     The legislature also finds that the United States House of Representatives introduced resolutions recognizing the cultural and historical significance of the Lunar New Year in 2021 and 2023; California recognized the Lunar New Year as a state holiday in 2022; and New York recognized the Lunar New Year as a public-school holiday in 2023.

     The legislature further finds that, by establishing the Lunar New Year as a state holiday in Hawaii, the State can honor its rich cultural history, demonstrate its commitment to cultural diversity, and extend its best wishes for peace and prosperity to all who celebrate this important occasion.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to:

     (1)  Designate the day of the second new moon after the winter solstice of each year as the Lunar New Year; and

     (2)  Establish the Lunar New Year as a state holiday.

     SECTION 2.  Section 8-1, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

     "§8-1  Holidays designated.  The following days of each year are set apart and established as state holidays:

     The first day in January, New Year's Day;

     The third Monday in January, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Day;

     The day of the second new moon after the winter solstice, Lunar New Year;

     The third Monday in February, Presidents' Day;

     The twenty-sixth day in March, Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole Day;

     The Friday preceding Easter Sunday, Good Friday;

     The last Monday in May, Memorial Day;

     The eleventh day in June, King Kamehameha I Day;

     The fourth day in July, Independence Day;

     The third Friday in August, Statehood Day;

     The first Monday in September, Labor Day;

     The eleventh day in November, Veterans' Day;

     The fourth Thursday in November, Thanksgiving Day;

     The twenty-fifth day in December, Christmas Day;

     All election days, except primary and special election days, in the county wherein the election is held; and

     Any day designated by proclamation by the President of the United States or by the governor as a holiday."

     SECTION 3.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

Report Title:

Public Administration; State Holidays; Lunar New Year

Description:

Designates the day of the second new moon after the winter solstice of each year as the Lunar New Year.  Establishes the Lunar New Year as a state holiday.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

STAND. COM. REP. NO.  364

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2025

RE:   H.B. No. 554

      H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Madame:

     Your Committee on Culture & Arts, to which was referred H.B. No. 554 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO STATE HOLIDAYS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to:

     (1)  Designate the second new moon after the winter solstice of every year as Lunar New year; and

     (2)  Establish Lunar New Year as a state holiday.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from five individuals.  Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Office of Collective Bargaining; Department of Budget and Finance; and Department of Human Resources of the City and County of Honolulu.

     Your Committee finds that by celebrating Lunar New Year in Hawaii, the State can honor its rich cultural history, demonstrate its commitment to cultural diversity, and extend its best wishes for peace and prosperity to all who celebrate this important occasion.  Your Committee recognizes that the Asian community in Hawaii has contributed greatly not only to the State's social, civic, and economic success, but also to its diverse and vibrant culture, which includes the celebration of Lunar New Year.  Your Committee believes that this measure honors the rich and diverse Asian community in the State by designating the second new moon after the winter solstice of every year Lunar New Year as a special day.

     Your Committee amended this measure by:

     (1)  Removing language that would establish Lunar New year as a state holiday and clarifying that Lunar New Year shall not be construed to be a state holiday;

     (2)  Changing the effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion; and

     (3)  Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Culture & Arts that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 554, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 554, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Culture & Arts,