Officially recognizes May 1 as "Lei Day In Hawai'i".

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. On Tuesday, May 1, 1928, the territory of Hawaii celebrated its first "May Day Is Lei Day" celebration. Schools held elaborate programs statewide. There were also many festivities and competitions that exhibited leis made of flowers from the different islands.

In 1929, Governor Wallace R. Farrington signed a Lei Day proclamation. The proclamation urged the citizens of the territory to "observe the day and honor the traditions of Hawai'i-nei by wearing and displaying leis." Then in 1953, Mayor John H. Wilson, city and county of Honolulu, chairman, lei day committee, proclaimed the first day of May 1953 to be celebrated as "Lei Day", with "all the festivities of the Polynesian tradition." Due to its long history, the legislature finds that it is fitting to honor this festive, nostalgic, and meaningful day.

The purpose of this Act is to officially recognize May 1 as "Lei Day In Hawai'i.

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

"§8- Lei Day. May 1 of each year shall be known as "May Day Is Lei Day In Hawai'i"; provided that this day is not and 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.