THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2723
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to state sheriffs day.

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

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that sheriffs have served a critical role in Hawaiʻi law enforcement for more than one hundred eighty years, with origins dating back to the reign of King Kamehameha III. The legislature further finds that the Office of the Marshal of the Hawaiian Islands was established by the Act to Organize the Executive Departments of the Government, signed by King Kamehameha III on April 27, 1846. That Act created the Office of the Marshal as the highest-ranking law enforcement officer of the Kingdom, with authority over island sheriffs appointed for Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi, Maui, and Kauaʻi.

The legislature recognizes that the Hawaiʻi sheriff is unique in American history as the only law enforcement office in the United States established by a monarch. Early sheriffs and their deputies symbolized their authority through distinctive insignia reflecting their direct service to the King and the Kingdom's legal system.

The legislature further finds that, notwithstanding subsequent governmental transitions, including the overthrow of the Kingdom, the territorial period, and statehood, the essential functions and legacy of the sheriff's office have endured. Most recently, the office of the sheriff was transferred to the department of law enforcement pursuant to Act 278, Session Laws of Hawaiʻi 2022, continuing its vital role maintaining public safety and the rule of law and providing a law enforcement presence to all courts in the state judiciary.

Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to formally recognize April 27 of each year as State Sheriffs Day, in commemoration of the establishment of the Office of the Marshal and island sheriffs and in honor of the historic and ongoing contributions of sheriffs and deputy sheriffs in the State.

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

"§8-   State Sheriffs Day. April 27 of each year shall be known and designated as State Sheriffs Day in recognition of the establishment of the Office of the Marshal and island sheriffs on April 27, 1846, and to honor the historic legacy and continuing service of sheriffs and deputy sheriffs in the State. This day 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.

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

State Sheriffs Day; Commemoration

Description:

Establishes April 27 of each year as State Sheriffs Day to commemorate the establishment of the Office of the Marshal of the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi in 1846.

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