HB 957: Laulau Day; Day of Observance

Current Status:

In Progress

(2025-07-02: Act 270, on 07/02/2025 (Gov. Msg. No. 1373).)

Introduced

In Committee

First Chamber

In Committee

Second Chamber

Final Decking

Enacted

Version:

Designates the first Friday in May of each year as "Laulau Day" in the State. (CD1)

Version:

HB957 CD1

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	957
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025		H.D. 1
STATE OF HAWAII		S.D. 1
		C.D. 1

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO LAULAU DAY.

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

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that one of the most popular traditional dishes to eat in the State is laulau. Laulau is made from pork or fish wrapped in kalo and ti leaves and then steamed, traditionally in an underground oven known as an imu. The preparation and consumption of laulau are cherished practices in Hawaiian communities, often shared at family gatherings, celebrations, and feasts, serving as a symbol of unity and cultural pride.

The legislature further finds that the preservation and promotion of Hawaiian food traditions are essential to honoring the rich legacy of Native Hawaiian culture and fostering a deeper understanding of the cultural practices that have been passed down through generations. The designation of "Laulau Day" will provide an opportunity to celebrate and recognize this iconic dish, raise awareness of its cultural significance, and support local farmers, chefs, and communities who continue to keep these traditions alive.

Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to designate the first Friday in May of each year as "Laulau Day" in the State.

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

"§8- Laulau Day. The first Friday in May of each year shall be known and designated as "Laulau Day". 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, 2025.

Report Title:

Laulau Day; Day of Observance

Description:

Designates the first Friday in May of each year as "Laulau Day" in the State. (CD1)

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

HB957 SD1

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	957
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025		H.D. 1
STATE OF HAWAII		S.D. 1

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO LAULAU DAY.

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

Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to designate the first Friday in May of each year as "Laulau Day" in the State.

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

"§8- Laulau Day. The first Friday in May of each year shall be known and designated as "Laulau Day". 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 November 16, 2836.

Report Title:

Laulau Day; Day of Observance

Description:

Designates the first Friday in May of each year as "Laulau Day" in the State. Effective 11/16/2836. (SD1)

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

HB957 HD1

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	957
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025		H.D. 1
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO LAULAU DAY.

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

Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to designate the first Friday in May of each year as "Laulau Day" in the State.

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

"§8- Laulau Day. The first Friday in May of each year shall be known and designated as "Laulau Day". 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:

Laulau Day; Day of Observance

Description:

Designates the first Friday in May of each year as "Laulau Day" in the State. 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.

HB957

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	957
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to laulau day.

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

The legislature further finds that the preservation and promotion of Hawaiian food traditions are essential to honoring the rich legacy of Native Hawaiian culture and fostering a deeper understanding of the cultural practices that have been passed down through generations. The designation of a Laulau Day will provide an opportunity to celebrate and recognize this iconic dish, raise awareness of its cultural significance, and support local farmers, chefs, and communities who continue to keep these traditions alive.

Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to designate May 1 of each year as "Laulau Day" in the State.

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

"§8- Laulau Day. May 1 of each year shall be known and designated as "Laulau Day". 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 upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________

Report Title:

Laulau Day; May 1

Description:

Designates May 1 of each year as "Laulau Day" in the State.

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

Date	Status
Jul 2, 2025	Act 270, on 07/02/2025 (Gov. Msg. No. 1373).
Jul 2, 2025	Act 270, 07/02/2025 (Gov. Msg. No. 1373).
May 1, 2025	Transmitted to Governor.
May 2, 2025	Received notice of passage on Final Reading in House (Hse. Com. No. 821).
May 1, 2025	Received notice of Final Reading (Sen. Com. No. 888).
Apr 30, 2025	Passed Final Reading as amended in CD 1 with Representative(s) Souza voting aye with reservations; Representative(s) Garcia, Pierick voting no (2) and Representative(s) Cochran excused (1).
Apr 30, 2025	Passed Final Reading, as amended (CD 1). Ayes, 24; Aye(s) with reservations: none. Noes, 1 (Senator(s) Awa). Excused, 0 (none).
Apr 24, 2025	48 Hrs. Notice (as amended CD 1) 04-30-25
Apr 24, 2025	Reported from Conference Committee as amended CD 1 (Conf. Com. Rep. No. 32).
Apr 24, 2025	Forty-eight (48) hours notice Wednesday, 04-30-25.
Apr 24, 2025	Reported from Conference Committee (Conf Com. Rep. No. 32) as amended in (CD 1).
Apr 24, 2025	The Conference Committee recommends that the measure be Passed, with Amendments. The votes were as follows: 3 Ayes: Representative(s) Kapela, Poepoe, Reyes Oda; Ayes with reservations: none; 0 Noes: none; and 0 Excused: none.
Apr 24, 2025	The Conference committee recommends that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes of the Senate Conference Managers were as follows: 3 Aye(s): Senator(s) Lee, C., Elefante, DeCorte; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 0 Excused: none.
Apr 23, 2025	Conference committee meeting scheduled for 04-24-25 11:00AM; Conference Room 329.
Apr 23, 2025	Received notice of Senate conferees (Sen. Com. No. 865).
Apr 23, 2025	Senate Conferees Appointed: Lee, C. Chair; Elefante, DeCorte.
Apr 15, 2025	Received notice of appointment of House conferees (Hse. Com. No. 732).
Apr 14, 2025	House Conferees Appointed: Kapela, Poepoe Co-Chairs; Reyes Oda.
Apr 11, 2025	Received notice of disagreement (Hse. Com. No. 704).
Apr 10, 2025	House disagrees with Senate amendment (s).
Apr 8, 2025	Returned from Senate (Sen. Com. No. 693) in amended form (SD 1).
Apr 8, 2025	Passed Third Reading, as amended (SD 1). Ayes, 24; Aye(s) with reservations: none. Noes, 1 (Senator(s) Awa). Excused, 0 (none). Transmitted to House.
Apr 4, 2025	48 Hrs. Notice 04-08-25.
Apr 4, 2025	Report adopted; Passed Second Reading, as amended (SD 1).
Apr 4, 2025	Reported from TCA (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1732) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and placement on the calendar for Third Reading.
Mar 13, 2025	The committee(s) on TCA recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in TCA were as follows: 5 Aye(s): Senator(s) Lee, C., Inouye, Elefante, Kanuha, DeCorte; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 0 Excused: none.
Mar 10, 2025	The committee(s) on TCA has scheduled a public hearing on 03-13-25 3:15PM; Conference Room 224 & Videoconference.
Mar 6, 2025	Referred to TCA.
Mar 6, 2025	Passed First Reading.
Mar 6, 2025	Received from House (Hse. Com. No. 306).
Mar 4, 2025	Passed Third Reading with none voting aye with reservations; Representative(s) Garcia voting no (1) and Representative(s) Pierick, Ward excused (2). Transmitted to Senate.
Feb 28, 2025	Reported from JHA (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1078), recommending passage on Third Reading.
Feb 21, 2025	The committee on JHA recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes were as follows: 8 Ayes: Representative(s) Tarnas, Poepoe, Belatti, Hashem, Kahaloa, Perruso, Takayama, Shimizu; Ayes with reservations: none; 1 Noes: Representative(s) Garcia; and 2 Excused: Representative(s) Cochran, Todd.
Feb 19, 2025	Bill scheduled to be heard by JHA on Friday, 02-21-25 2:00PM in House conference room 325 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE.
Feb 11, 2025	Passed Second Reading as amended in HD 1 and referred to the committee(s) on JHA with none voting aye with reservations; Representative(s) Garcia voting no (1) and Representative(s) Cochran, Ward excused (2).
Feb 11, 2025	Reported from CAA (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 366) as amended in HD 1, recommending passage on Second Reading and referral to JHA.
Feb 5, 2025	The committee on CAA recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 5 Ayes: Representative(s) Kapela, Kong, Garrett, Lee, M., Sayama; Ayes with reservations: none; Noes: none; and 1 Excused: Representative(s) Reyes Oda.
Jan 30, 2025	Bill scheduled to be heard by CAA on Wednesday, 02-05-25 10:30AM in House conference room 309 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE.
Jan 23, 2025	Referred to CAA, JHA, referral sheet 3
Jan 23, 2025	Introduced and Pass First Reading.
Jan 21, 2025	Pending introduction.

Date	Description	Location	Votes
Apr 30, 2025	Final Reading	House Floor	47 2 1 Passed
Apr 30, 2025	Final Reading	Senate Floor	24 1 0 Passed
Apr 8, 2025	Third Reading	Senate Floor	24 1 0 Passed
Mar 13, 2025	The committee(s) on TCA recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS	Senate Standing Committee on Transportation and Culture and the Arts	5 0 0 Passed
Mar 4, 2025	Third Reading	House Floor	48 1 2 Passed
Feb 21, 2025	The committee on JHA recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED	House Standing Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs	8 1 2 Passed
Feb 5, 2025	The committee on CAA recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS	House Standing Committee on Culture & Arts	5 0 1 Passed

Key

Pro

Against

Did Not Vote

This list shows positions taken on this bill by organizations on the date displayed, which is linked to the original source.

Positions by individuals are not included.

* Testimony in a hearing

** Position recorded in bill analysis

*** Position recorded in written testimony

Organization	Position	Date
Chamber of Commerce Hawaii	** Support
Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau	** Support
Hawaiʻi Island Chamber of Commerce	** Support
Hawaiʻi Workers Center	*** Support	Feb 5, 2025
Hawai‘i Farm Bureau	*** Support	Mar 13, 2025
Highway Inn	** Support
Highway Inn Companies	*** Support	Mar 13, 2025
Office of Hawaiian Affairs	** Support
Papa Laulauz LLC	*** Support	Mar 13, 2025
PapaLaulauz LLC	*** Support	Feb 21, 2025
Sierra Club of Hawaiʻi	*** Support	Feb 5, 2025

* Testimony in a hearing

** Position recorded in bill analysis

*** Position recorded in written testimony

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CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REP. NO. 32

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2025

RE: H.B. No. 957

H.D. 1

S.D. 1

C.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Madam and Sir:

Your Committee on Conference on the disagreeing vote of the House of Representatives to the amendments proposed by the Senate in H.B. No. 957, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO LAULAU DAY,"

having met, and after full and free discussion, has agreed to recommend and does recommend to the respective Houses the final passage of this bill in an amended form.

The purpose of this measure is to designate the first Friday

in May of each year as Laulau Day.

Your Committee on Conference has amended this measure by changing the effective date to July 1, 2025.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the managers of your Committee on Conference that is attached to this report, your Committee on Conference is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 957, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Final Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 957, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, C.D. 1.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the managers:

ON THE PART OF THE SENATE

ON THE PART OF THE HOUSE

____________________________ CHRIS LEE Chair		____________________________ JEANNE KAPELA Co-Chair
		____________________________ MAHINA POEPOE Co-Chair

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STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1732

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.B. No. 957

H.D. 1

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Transportation and Culture and the Arts, to which was referred H.B. No. 957, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO LAULAU DAY,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to designate the first Friday in May of each year as "Laulau Day" in the State.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau, Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, Highway Inn, Hawaiʻi Island Chamber of Commerce, and thirty-three individuals.

Your Committee finds that kalo farming has been a foundation of Hawaiian agriculture for centuries. As the leaves and coms serve as a staple food source, kalo is a crucial plant used in cooking, medicine, and cultural practices. Your Committee further finds that laulau is a steamed dish comprising of pork or fish wrapped in ti leaves. As a dish that recognizes the contributions of the State's local pork industry and practitioners of Native Hawaiian cultural practices, laulau exemplifies both the State's rich cultural heritage and the future of the State's economic drivers. Therefore, this measure celebrates Native Hawaiian culture and the State's robust culinary traditions while supporting local farmers and cultural practitioners who continue traditional practices.

Accordingly, your Committee has amended this measure by inserting an effective date of November 16, 2836, to encourage further discussion.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Transportation and Culture and the Arts that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 957, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 957, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, and be placed on the calendar for Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Transportation and Culture and the Arts,

________________________________

CHRIS LEE, Chair

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STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1078

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2025

RE: H.B. No. 957

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 Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred H.B. No. 957, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO LAULAU DAY,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to designate the first Friday in May of each year as Laulau Day.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs; Hawaii Farm Bureau; and numerous individuals.

Your Committee finds that laulau is a treasured Hawaiian dish that represents cultural heritage, community, and tradition. Its preparation and sharing are central to gatherings, celebrations, and fundraisers, highlighting its deep-rooted significance. By designating the first Friday in May as "Laulau Day", this measure helps preserve laulau as a meaningful part of Hawaii's culinary and cultural identity.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 957, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs,

____________________________

DAVID A. TARNAS, Chair

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STAND. COM. REP. NO. 366

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2025

RE: H.B. No. 957

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. 957 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO LAULAU DAY,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to designate May 1 of each year as Laulau Day.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau and numerous individuals.

Your Committee finds that the consumption and preparation of laulau are cherished practices in Hawaiian communities, serving as a symbol of unity and cultural pride. Your Committee also finds that the preservation and promotion of Hawaiian food traditions are essential to honoring the rich legacy of Native Hawaiian culture and fostering a deeper understanding of the cultural practices that have been passed down through generations. Your Committee believes that designating one day each year as Laulau Day will provide an opportunity to celebrate and recognize the cultural significance of laulau and support local farmers, restaurants, and communities who keep this tradition alive.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Designating the first Friday in May, rather than May 1, of each year as Laulau Day;

(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. 957, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 957, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs.

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

____________________________

JEANNE KAPELA, Chair

Date	Testimony PDF
Mar 13, 2025	HB957_HD1_TESTIMONY_TCA_03-13-25_.PDF
Feb 21, 2025	HB957_HD1_TESTIMONY_JHA_02-21-25_.PDF
Feb 5, 2025	HB957_TESTIMONY_CAA_02-05-25_.PDF

Discussed in Hearing

4MIN

Authors shown for version:
HB957_CD1 (4/24/2025)

HB 957: Laulau Day; Day of Observance

Current Status:

House Floor

Conference Committee

Senate Standing Committee on Transportation and Culture and the Arts

Senate Standing Committee on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs

House Floor

House Standing Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

House Standing Committee on Culture & Arts