SB 2723: State Sheriffs Day; Commemoration

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO STATE SHERIFFS DAY.

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

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that sheriffs have served a critical role in Hawaii law enforcement for more than one hundred eighty years, with origins dating back to the reign of King Kamehameha III.  The legislature further finds that the Office of the Marshal of the Hawaiian Islands was established by the Act to Organize the Executive Departments of the Government, signed by King Kamehameha III on April 27, 1846.  That Act designated the Marshal as the highest-ranking law enforcement officer of the Hawaiian Kingdom, with authority over island sheriffs appointed for Oahu, Hawaii, Maui, and Kauai.

     The legislature recognizes that the Hawaii sheriff office is unique in American history as the only law enforcement office in the United States established by a monarch.  Early sheriffs and their deputies symbolized their authority through distinctive insignia reflecting their direct service to the king and Hawaiian Kingdom's legal system.

     The legislature further finds that, notwithstanding subsequent governmental transitions, including the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom, the territorial period, and statehood, the essential functions and legacy of the sheriff's office have endured.  Most recently, the office of the sheriff was transferred to the department of law enforcement pursuant to Act 278, Session Laws of Hawaii 2022, continuing its vital role maintaining public safety and the rule of law and providing a law enforcement presence to all courts in the state judiciary.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to formally recognize April 27 of each year as State Sheriffs Day, in commemoration of the establishment of the Office of the Marshal and island sheriffs and in honor of the historic and ongoing contributions of sheriffs and deputy sheriffs 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-     State Sheriffs Day.  April 27 of each year shall be known and designated as "State Sheriffs Day" in recognition of the establishment of the Office of the Marshal and island sheriffs on April 27, 1846, and to honor the historic legacy and continuing service of sheriffs and deputy sheriffs in the State.  This day 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:

State Sheriffs Day; Commemoration

Description:

Establishes April 27 of each year as State Sheriffs Day to commemorate the establishment of the Office of the Marshal of the Kingdom of Hawaii in 1846.  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 sheriffs day.

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

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that sheriffs have served a critical role in Hawaiʻi law enforcement for more than one hundred eighty years, with origins dating back to the reign of King Kamehameha III.  The legislature further finds that the Office of the Marshal of the Hawaiian Islands was established by the Act to Organize the Executive Departments of the Government, signed by King Kamehameha III on April 27, 1846.  That Act created the Office of the Marshal as the highest-ranking law enforcement officer of the Kingdom, with authority over island sheriffs appointed for Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi, Maui, and Kauaʻi.

     The legislature recognizes that the Hawaiʻi sheriff is unique in American history as the only law enforcement office in the United States established by a monarch.  Early sheriffs and their deputies symbolized their authority through distinctive insignia reflecting their direct service to the King and the Kingdom's legal system.

     The legislature further finds that, notwithstanding subsequent governmental transitions, including the overthrow of the Kingdom, the territorial period, and statehood, the essential functions and legacy of the sheriff's office have endured.  Most recently, the office of the sheriff was transferred to the department of law enforcement pursuant to Act 278, Session Laws of Hawaiʻi 2022, continuing its vital role maintaining public safety and the rule of law and providing a law enforcement presence to all courts in the state judiciary.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to formally recognize April 27 of each year as State Sheriffs Day, in commemoration of the establishment of the Office of the Marshal and island sheriffs and in honor of the historic and ongoing contributions of sheriffs and deputy sheriffs 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-    State Sheriffs Day.  April 27 of each year shall be known and designated as State Sheriffs Day in recognition of the establishment of the Office of the Marshal and island sheriffs on April 27, 1846, and to honor the historic legacy and continuing service of sheriffs and deputy sheriffs in the State.  This day 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.

Report Title:

State Sheriffs Day; Commemoration

Description:

Establishes April 27 of each year as State Sheriffs Day to commemorate the establishment of the Office of the Marshal of the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi in 1846.

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.  764-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2026

RE:   S.B. No. 2723

      H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Madame:

     Your Committee on Culture & Arts, to which was referred S.B. No. 2723 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO STATE SHERIFFS DAY,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to establish April 27 of each year as State Sheriffs Day to commemorate the establishment of the Office of the Marshal of the Kingdom of Hawaii in 1846.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Law Enforcement.

     Your Committee finds that sheriffs have played a vital role in Hawaii's law enforcement system for more than one hundred eighty years.  As the only law enforcement office in the United States established by a monarch, the Hawaii Sheriff's Office holds a unique and distinguished place in American history, as it originated under a sovereign monarch and formed an integral part of the Hawaiian Kingdom's justice system.  Over the years, the functions historically carried out by sheriffs have continued within the State's law enforcement framework and are now administered through the Department of Law Enforcement.  By designating April 27 of each year as State Sheriffs Day, this measure commemorates the historic establishment of these positions and honors the enduring service of state sheriffs and deputy sheriffs in safeguarding public safety throughout Hawaii.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by:

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

     (2)  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 S.B. No. 2723, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 2723, 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,

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2145

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:     S.B. No. 2723

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committees on Public Safety and Military Affairs and Water, Land, Culture and the Arts, to which was referred S.B. No. 2723 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO STATE SHERIFFS DAY,"

beg leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to establish April 27 of each year as State Sheriffs Day to commemorate the establishment of the Office of the Marshal of the Kingdom of Hawaii in 1846.

     Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Law Enforcement; Hawaii Government Employees Association, AFSCME Local 152, AFL-CIO; and seventeen individuals.

     Your Committees find that the Office of the Sheriff traces its origins to the Office of the Marshal of the Kingdom of Hawaii, which was founded on April 27, 1846.  Sheriffs have served a critical role in Hawaii law enforcement for more than one hundred eighty years.  Despite governmental transitions, such as the overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaii, the creation of the Territory of Hawaii, and statehood, the essential functions and legacy of the sheriff's office have endured.

     Your Committees further find that the Office of the Sherriff was recently transferred to the Department of Law Enforcement pursuant to Act 278, Session Laws of Hawaii 2022.  As a component of the Department of Law Enforcement, the Office of the Sheriff continues to play a vital role maintaining public safety, supporting the rule of law, and providing a law enforcement presence to all courts in the Judiciary.  Accordingly, this measure formally recognizes April 27 of each year as State Sheriffs Day in commemoration of the establishment of the Office of the Marshal and island sheriffs in 1846.

     As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Public Safety and Military Affairs and Water, Land, Culture and the Arts that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2723 and recommend that it pass Second Reading and be placed on the calendar for Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Public Safety and Military Affairs and Water, Land, Culture and the Arts,