Bill > SB1011

This bill establishes the Hawaii Leadership Awards Program, a new initiative designed to recognize and honor individuals who have made significant contributions to Hawaii across twelve different categories, including arts, business, entertainment, literature, science, sports, and community engagement. The program requires awardees to have resided in Hawaii for at least seven years (with an exception for the "Friend of Hawaii" category), and will be administered by a selection committee composed of five members appointed by the president of the senate, speaker of the house, governor, lieutenant governor, and state archives. Each year, recipients will receive a certificate of honor and medal, and their stories will be displayed prominently for one year before being added to a permanent archival exhibit. The awards will be presented annually by the governor, lieutenant governor, and selection committee members, with nominations accepted from the public. The program aims to inspire others by highlighting individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the state, complementing the existing Aloha Order of Merit by focusing specifically on Hawaii-based achievements and leadership.

Budget and Finance, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=1011&year=2026