THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

541

THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2023

S.D. 1

STATE OF HAWAII

H.D. 1

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

RELATING TO HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 

     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 Public Law 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, Public Law 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 designate January 17 of each year as Reconciliation Day to commemorate the memory of Queen Liliuokalani and the illegal overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaii.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 8, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§8-    Reconciliation Day.  January 17 of each year shall be known as "Reconciliation Day" to commemorate the memory of Queen Liliuokalani and the illegal overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaii.  This day is not and shall not be construed to be a state holiday."

     SECTION 3.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.

 

 

Report Title:

Reconciliation Day; Day of Observance

 

Description:

Designates January 17 of each year as Reconciliation Day.  Effective 7/1/3000.  (HD1)

 

 

 

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