STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1946

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.C.R. No. 33

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2023

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Transportation and Culture and the Arts, to which was referred H.C.R. No. 33 entitled:

"HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION DESIGNATING NOVEMBER 22, 2023, AS "KIMCHI DAY" IN THE STATE OF HAWAII,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to designate November 22, 2023, as "Kimchi Day" in the State.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Korean American Coalition of Hawaii, Maui Korean Community Association, Peaceful Unification Advisory Council Hawaii, United Korean Association of Hawaii, and fourteen individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from one individual.

Your Committee finds that 2023 marks the one hundred twentieth anniversary of the arrival of the first Korean immigrant workers in Hawaii. Since then, Korean Americans in Hawaii, including approximately fifty thousand residents who are ethnically Korean, have greatly contributed to the diverse and vibrant culture of the State. In 2013, the traditional process of preparing kimchi ("kimjang"), a traditional Korean dish with an extensive history beginning over two millennia ago, was recognized as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

Your Committee further finds that South Korea celebrates "National Kimchi Day" on November 22 to represent eleven major ingredients in kimchi and its associated twenty-two health benefits. As the popularity of kimchi has grown significantly, other states such as California and Virginia celebrate Kimchi Day. Therefore, this measure celebrates the diverse ethnic heritage of the State and recognizes Korean Americans' contributions to the State's vibrant food culture.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Transportation and Culture and the Arts that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.C.R. No. 33, and recommends its adoption.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Transportation and Culture and the Arts,

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CHRIS LEE, Chair