STAND. COM. REP. NO. 38-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2026

RE: H.B. No. 2532

H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Madame:

Your Committee on Culture & Arts, to which was referred H.B. No. 2532 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE HAWAIIAN FLAG,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to require cooperative housing corporations, planned community associations, and condominium associations to allow owners to display the Hawaiian flag within the owner's property, including allowing reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions on Hawaiian flag displays to protect a substantial interest of the association or corporation.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Palehua Townhouse Association and eight individuals.

Your Committee finds that the Hawaiian flag holds deep historical and cultural significance as a symbol of identity, resilience, and pride for the people of Hawaii. From its origins in the early nineteenth century through the Hawaiian Kingdom, and continuing into the present day, the flag has been a unifying emblem across generations and movements. Despite this legacy, residents living in cooperative housing, condominiums, or planned communities may face restrictions on displaying the Hawaiian flag within their homes or on limited common elements. This measure ensures that individuals have the protected right to display the Hawaiian flag on their property, while permitting associations to establish reasonable guidelines regarding its placement to safeguard shared community interests.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Changing the effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion; and

(2) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Culture & Arts that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2532, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 2532, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Culture & Arts,

____________________________

JEANNE KAPELA, Chair