STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1815-26

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 Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs, 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; Joseph Dutton Guild; Hawaii Catholic Conference; and four individuals.

Your Committee finds that Brother Joseph Dutton devoted decades of selfless service to individuals afflicted with Hansen's disease at Kalaupapa, leaving a lasting legacy of compassion and humanitarianism in Hawaii. Your Committee further finds that, although the State formally recognizes other individuals for their contributions to the Kalaupapa community, Brother Joseph Dutton has not yet received similar recognition. This measure honors his enduring impact by designating April 27 of each year as Brother Joseph Dutton Day and preserving his legacy for future generations.

Your Committee recognizes the testimony of Meli Watanuki and John Arruda, two of five remaining patients from the Kalaupapa settlement, who believe this measure honors both Brother Joseph Dutton and the people of Kalaupapa whom he served.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs 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 Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs,

____________________________

DAVID A. TARNAS, Chair