Bill > HB458

This bill designates April 27 as Brother Joseph Dutton Day in Hawaii to honor Ira Barnes Dutton, a Civil War veteran who transformed his life after struggling with personal challenges and dedicated himself to caring for leprosy patients at Kalaupapa on the island of Molokai. After adopting the name Joseph Dutton, he worked closely with Father Damien, helping to manage the Baldwin Home for Boys and providing compassionate care to residents afflicted with leprosy from 1886 until his illness and subsequent transfer to a Honolulu hospital, where he passed away in 1931. The bill, which draws upon a 1929 Hawaii territorial house resolution recognizing Dutton's significant humanitarian service, officially establishes April 27 (his birth date) as a commemorative day to recognize his contributions. Importantly, the bill specifies that while April 27 will be known as Brother Joseph Dutton Day, it is not and shall not be considered a state holiday, serving primarily as a day of remembrance and acknowledgment of Dutton's remarkable life of service.

Business and Industry, Justice, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=458&year=2026