STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1358-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2026

RE: S.B. No. 2256

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 S.B. No. 2256 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO BROTHER JOSEPH DUTTON DAY,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to designate April 27 of every year as Brother Joseph Dutton Day.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Accounting and General Services; The Joseph Dutton Guild; and three individuals.

Your Committee finds that Brother Joseph Dutton dedicated his life to serving individuals afflicted with Hansen's disease at Kalaupapa, providing compassionate care and support to some of Hawaii's most vulnerable residents. His decades of selfless service alongside Father Damien and others left a lasting legacy of humanitarianism and sacrifice in the State. While Hawaii currently recognizes individuals such as Saint Damien de Veuster and Saint Marianne Cope for their contributions, similar recognition has not yet been formally extended to Brother Joseph Dutton. This measure would designate April 27 of each year as Brother Joseph Dutton Day, thereby honoring his enduring impact and preserving his legacy for future generations.

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 S.B. No. 2256 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs.

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

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JEANNE KAPELA, Chair