SB 614: La Kuokoa; Hawaiian Independence Day; State Holiday

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO HAWAIIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY.

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

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that "La Kuokoa", or Hawaiian Independence Day, was a national holiday celebrated annually on November 28 to commemorate the signing of the Anglo‑Franco Proclamation of 1843.  The proclamation represented the official diplomatic recognition of the independence and sovereignty of the Hawaiian Kingdom by Great Britain and France.  Hawaiian Independence Day is particularly important to the Hawaiian sovereignty movement since it is a reminder that the Hawaiian Kingdom was a sovereign nation-state that was recognized by world powers prior to the overthrow of the monarchy and subsequent annexation by the United States.  The holiday is still celebrated by many Native Hawaiians and residents of the State.  Hawaiian Independence Day holds cultural and historical significance and represents an affirmation of identity and joyful pride for the people of Hawaii.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to establish "La Kuokoa", or Hawaiian Independence Day, as a state holiday, rather than a day of observance, to recognize the compelling history of Hawaiian independence and memorialize the injustice of the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom.

     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 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 twenty-eighth day in November, La Kuokoa, Hawaiian Independence 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;

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

     SECTION 3.  Section 8-36, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is repealed.

     ["[§8-36]  La Kuokoa; Hawaiian Independence Day.  November 28 of each year shall be known and designated as La Kuokoa, Hawaiian Independence Day, to celebrate the historical recognition of the independence of the Kingdom of Hawaii.  This day is not and shall not be construed to be a state holiday."]

     SECTION 4.  Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 5.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.

Report Title:

La Kuokoa; Hawaiian Independence Day; State Holiday

Description:

Establishes the twenty-eighth day of November of each year as "La Kuokoa", Hawaiian Independence Day, as a state holiday, rather than a day of observance.  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 HAWAIIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY.

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

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that "La Kuokoa", or Hawaiian independence day, was a national holiday celebrated annually on November 28 to commemorate the signing of the Anglo‑Franco Proclamation of 1843.  The proclamation represented the official diplomatic recognition of the independence and sovereignty of the Hawaiian Kingdom by Great Britain and France.  Hawaiian independence day is particularly important amongst the Hawaiian sovereignty movement since it symbolizes that the Hawaiian Kingdom was a sovereign nation-state having international recognition by world powers prior to the overthrow of the monarchy and subsequent annexation by the United States.  The holiday is still celebrated by many Native Hawaiians and residents of the State.  Hawaiian independence day holds cultural and historical significance and represents an affirmation of identity and joyful pride for the people of Hawaii.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to establish "La Kuokoa", or Hawaiian independence day, as a state holiday, and in doing so, recognize the compelling history of Hawaiian independence and memorialize the injustice of the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom.

     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 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 twenty-eighth day in November, La Kuokoa, or Hawaiian Independence 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;

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

     SECTION 3.  Section 8-36, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is repealed.

     ["[§8-36]  La Kuokoa; Hawaiian Independence Day.  November 28 of each year shall be known and designated as La Kuokoa, Hawaiian Independence Day, to celebrate the historical recognition of the independence of the Kingdom of Hawaii.  This day is not and shall not be construed to be a state holiday."]

     SECTION 4.  Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 5.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2050.

Report Title:

Hawaiian Independence Day; State Holidays; Observed

Description:

Establishes "La Kuokoa", or Hawaiian Independence Day, as a state holiday to be observed annually on November 28th.  Effective 7/1/2050.  (SD1)

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 HAWAIIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY.

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

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that "La Ku oko a", or Hawaiian independence day, was a national holiday celebrated annually on November 28 to commemorate the signing of the Anglo‑Franco Proclamation of 1843.  The proclamation represented the official diplomatic recognition of the independence and sovereignty of the Hawaiian Kingdom by Great Britain and France.  Hawaiian independence day is particularly important amongst the Hawaiian sovereignty movement since it symbolizes that the Hawaiian Kingdom was a sovereign nation-state having international recognition by world powers prior to the overthrow of the monarchy and subsequent annexation by the United States.  The holiday is still celebrated by many Native Hawaiians and residents of the State.  Hawaiian independence day holds cultural and historical significance and represents an affirmation of identity and joyful pride for the people of Hawaii.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to establish "La Ku oko a", or Hawaiian independence day, as a state holiday, and in doing so, recognize the compelling history of Hawaiian independence and memorialize the injustice of the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom.

     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 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 twenty-eighth day in November, La Ku oko a, or Hawaiian Independence 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;

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

     SECTION 3.  Section 8-36, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is repealed.

     ["[§8-36]  La Kuokoa; Hawaiian Independence Day.  November 28 of each year shall be known and designated as La Kuokoa, Hawaiian Independence Day, to celebrate the historical recognition of the independence of the Kingdom of Hawaii.  This day is not and shall not be construed to be a state holiday."]

     SECTION 4.  Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 5.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

Report Title:

Hawaiian Independence Day; State Holidays; Observed

Description:

Establishes "La Ku oko a", or Hawaiian Independence Day, as a state holiday to be observed annually on November 28th.

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.  1195

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2025

RE:   S.B. No. 614

      S.D. 1

      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 S.B. No. 614, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO HAWAIIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to establish La Kuokoa, Hawaiian Independence Day, on November 28th of each year as a state holiday.

     Your Committee has received testimony in support of this measure from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs; Kumukahi Health + Wellness; Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs; Moanalua Gardens Foundation; Ohana Unity Party; and six 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 "La Kuokoa", Hawaiian Independence Day, was a national holiday celebrated annually on November 28 to commemorate the signing of the Anglo-Franco Proclamation of 1843, which represented the official diplomatic recognition of the independence and sovereignty of the Hawaiian Kingdom by Great Britain and France.  Hawaiian Independence Day holds cultural and historical significance and represents an affirmation of identity and joyful pride for the people of Hawaii.  This measure seeks to designate a state holiday in commemoration of this former national holiday, which is still observed and celebrated by many Native Hawaiians and residents of the State.

     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. 614, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 614, S.D. 1, 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. 1032

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    S.B. No. 614

       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 Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 614, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO HAWAIIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to recognize Hawaiian Independence Day.

More specifically, this measure establishes La Kuokoa, or Hawaiian Independence Day, as a state holiday, recognizing the compelling history of Hawaiian independence and memorializing the injustice of the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom.

     Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs, Kingdom of The Hawaiian Islands & White House, and eight individuals.

     Your Committee received written comments on this measure from the Department of Budget and Finance and Office of Collective Bargaining.

     Your Committee finds that recognizing La Kuokoa as a state holiday honors the cultural and historical significance of Hawaii's sovereignty and the heritage of Native Hawaiians.  Your Committee further finds that establishing the state holiday would foster a deeper understanding of Hawaii's history and promote respect for its traditions and history.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 614, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 669

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    S.B. No. 614

       S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committees on Transportation and Culture and the Arts and Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred S.B. No. 614 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO HAWAIIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY,"

beg leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to establish "La Kuokoa", or Hawaiian Independence Day, as a state holiday in recognition of the compelling history of Hawaiian independence and to memorialize the injustice of the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom.

     Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs, and numerous individuals.

     Your Committees received testimony in opposition to this measure from one individual.

     Your Committees received comments on this measure from the Office of Collective Bargaining.

Your Committees find that La Kuokoa, or Hawaiian Independence Day, was a national holiday celebrated annually to commemorate the Anglo-Franco Proclamation of 1843, which constituted official diplomatic recognition of the independence and sovereignty of the Hawaiian Kingdom by Great Britain and France.  Your Committees further find that Hawaiian Independence Day holds cultural and historical significance and represents an affirmation of identity and joyful pride for the people of Hawaii.  Accordingly, this measure establishes La Kuokoa as a state holiday to memorialize the compelling history of Hawaiian independence and the Hawaiian Kingdom.

     Your Committees note the concern raised by the Office of Collective Bargaining that this measure may have a serious operational and financial impact to the State.

     Your Committees have amended this measure by:

     (1)  Inserting an effective date of July 1, 2050, to encourage further discussion; and

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

     As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Transportation and Culture and the Arts and Hawaiian Affairs that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 614, as amended herein, and recommend that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 614, S.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Transportation and Culture and the Arts and Hawaiian Affairs,