SB3319

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that, on January 17, 1893, the Kingdom of Hawaii witnessed the unjust and illegal overthrow of its sovereign monarch, Queen Liliuokalani, resulting in the disruption of the Hawaiian government and the sovereignty of the Hawaiian people. The actions that led to the overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani and the Kingdom of Hawaii were inconsistent with the principles of justice, self-determination, and international law.

In 1993, the United States Congress, through P.L. 103-150, formally acknowledged the role of the United States in the illegal overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaii and expressed regret for the wrongful actions committed. In addition, P.L. 103-150 recognized and supported the reconciliation efforts that were initiated between the United States, the State, the United Church of Christ, and the Native Hawaiian people.

The legislature finds that, in the spirit of advancing those initial efforts made towards reconciliation, it is imperative to recognize and remember this historical injustice, to ensure that future generations are aware of the devastating negative impact of the events of January 17, 1893, on the Hawaiian people and their culture.

Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to:

(1) Designate the seventeenth day in January of each year as Reconciliation Day, to commemorate the memory of Queen Liliuokalani and the illegal overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaii;

(2) Establish Reconciliation Day as a state holiday;

(3) Require the State and its departments and agencies to recognize Reconciliation Day through educational programs, cultural events, and activities;

(4) Require the governor to issue an annual proclamation recognizing Reconciliation Day as a day of reflection and remembrance;

(5) Require all state offices, public schools, and other state institutions to display the Hawaiian flag at half-staff on Reconciliation Day; and

(6) Repeal Good Friday as a state holiday.

SECTION 2. Section 8-1, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

"§8-1 Holidays designated. The following days of each year are set apart and established as state holidays:

The first day in January, New Year's Day;

The seventeenth day in January, Reconciliation Day;

The third Monday in January, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Day;

The third Monday in February, Presidents' Day;

The twenty-sixth day in March, Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole Day;

[~~The Friday preceding Easter Sunday, Good Friday;~~]

The last Monday in May, Memorial Day;

The eleventh day in June, King Kamehameha I Day;

The fourth day in July, Independence Day;

The third Friday in August, Statehood Day;

The first Monday in September, Labor Day;

The eleventh day in November, Veterans' Day;

The fourth Thursday in November, Thanksgiving Day;

The twenty-fifth day in December, Christmas Day;

All election days, except primary and special election days, in the county wherein the election is held; and

Any day designated by proclamation by the President of the United States or by the governor as a holiday."

SECTION 3. The State and its departments and agencies shall recognize Reconciliation Day through educational programs, cultural events, and activities that promote awareness and understanding of the historical significance of January 17, 1893.

SECTION 4. The governor shall issue an annual proclamation recognizing Reconciliation Day as a day of reflection and remembrance, and encourage citizens to learn about and understand the history surrounding the overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani and the consequences of the continued illegal occupation of Hawaii.

SECTION 5. All state offices, public schools, and other state institutions shall display the Hawaiian flag at half-staff on Reconciliation Day, to honor the memory of Queen Liliuokalani and the legacy of Hawaiian oppression, dispossession, and diaspora which resulted from her illegal overthrow.

SECTION 6. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 7. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________

Report Title:

Governor; State Departments and Agencies; Schools; Public Administration; State Holidays; Reconciliation Day

Description:

Designates the seventeenth day in January of each year as Reconciliation Day. Establishes Reconciliation Day as a state holiday. Requires the State and its departments and agencies to recognize Reconciliation Day through educational programs, cultural events, and activities. Requires the Governor to issue an annual proclamation recognizing Reconciliation Day as a day of reflection and remembrance. Requires all state offices, public schools, and other state institutions to display the Hawaiian flag at half-staff on Reconciliation Day. Repeals Good Friday as a state holiday.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	3319
THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2024
STATE OF HAWAII