Bill > SB47

This bill designates the day of the second new moon after the winter solstice as the Lunar New Year and establishes it as a state holiday in Hawaii, effective July 1, 2050. The legislation is rooted in recognizing the significant contributions of Asian communities to Hawaii's cultural and economic landscape, noting that as of July 2022, approximately 37.1% of the state's population was of Asian descent. The bill highlights that the Lunar New Year is celebrated by more than two-thirds of Chinese, Korean, Japanese, and Vietnamese Americans in the United States and provides an opportunity for family renewal, reflection, and wishes for good fortune. By creating this state holiday, Hawaii aims to honor its rich cultural history and demonstrate commitment to cultural diversity. The bill amends the existing Hawaii Revised Statutes to add Lunar New Year to the list of official state holidays, joining other recognized days such as New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and Christmas Day. The legislation follows similar recognitions in other states, such as California's 2022 state holiday designation and New York's 2023 public school holiday recognition.

Budget and Finance, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=47&year=2026