STAND. COM. REP. NO. 765-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2026

RE: H.B. No. 9

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. 9, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT DESIGNATING HAWAII AS A PURPLE HEART STATE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to designate Hawaii as a Purple Heart State.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Office of Veterans Services; Hawaii Military Affairs Council; and three individuals.

Your Committee finds that Hawaii is home to a significant population of active duty service members and veterans who have demonstrated extraordinary courage and sacrifice in defense of the nation. The Purple Heart is the nation's oldest military decoration and is awarded to members of the United States armed forces who are killed or wounded in combat, as a result of international terrorism, or while held as prisoners of war. Designating Hawaii as a Purple Heart State formally recognizes and honors the singularly meritorious actions and sacrifices of the State's Purple Heart recipients and affirms Hawaii's deep appreciation for these service members.

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. 9, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

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

____________________________

JEANNE KAPELA, Chair