Bill > SB614

This bill elevates November 28th, known as "La Kuokoa" or Hawaiian Independence Day, from a day of observance to a full state holiday in Hawaii. The legislation recognizes the historical significance of November 28, 1843, when Britain and France officially diplomatically recognized the independence and sovereignty of the Hawaiian Kingdom through the Anglo-Franco Proclamation. By changing the status of the day, the bill aims to commemorate the Hawaiian Kingdom's historical sovereignty, honor the cultural importance of the day for Native Hawaiians, and memorialize the injustice of the monarchy's overthrow. Specifically, the bill amends the Hawaii Revised Statutes to add La Kuokoa to the list of official state holidays, alongside other recognized days such as New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and Christmas Day. The bill repeals the previous statute that designated November 28 as a day of observance but not a state holiday, effectively upgrading its official status. The law is set to take effect on July 1, 3000, which appears to be a placeholder date for implementation.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry, Justice, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=614&year=2026