THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

541

THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2023

S.D. 1

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 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 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.

     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.  The seventeenth day in January each year shall be known as Reconciliation Day, to commemorate the memory of Queen Liliuokalani and the illegal overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaii, provided that 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 upon its approval.

 

 

Report Title:

Reconciliation Day

 

Description:

Establishes January 17 of each year as Reconciliation Day, to commemorate the memory of Queen Liliuokalani and the illegal overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaii, provided that this day is not and shall not be construed to be a state holiday. (SD1)

 

 

 

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