Report Title:

Eliminate Statehood Day; State Holiday; Paid Holiday

Description:

Amends HRS section 8-1 to eliminate Statehood Day as a paid State holiday.

THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

2518

TWENTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2006

  

STATE OF HAWAII

  

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

Relating to the elimination of statehood day as a paid state holiday.

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. There is a lack of organization, celebration, or participation in any Statehood Day festivities despite the fact that ninety-four percent of Hawaii voters, a clear representation of all ethnic groups, affirmed statehood in 1959. State officials and employees have also shown little or no support for Hawaii's union with the United States. Given this demonstrated displeasure and lack of support for Hawaii as part of the United States, the State should not recognize Statehood Day as a state holiday for which it's employees are compensated.

SECTION 2. Section 8-1, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

"§8-1 Holidays designated. The following days of each year are set apart and established as state holidays:

The first day in January, New Year's Day;

The third Monday in January, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Day;

The third Monday in February, Presidents' Day;

The twenty-sixth day in March, Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole Day;

The Friday preceding Easter Sunday, Good Friday;

The last Monday in May, Memorial Day;

The eleventh day in June, King Kamehameha I Day;

The fourth day in July, Independence Day;

[The third Friday in August, Statehood Day;]

The first Monday in September, Labor Day;

The eleventh day in November, Veterans' Day;

The fourth Thursday in November, Thanksgiving Day;

The twenty-fifth day in December, Christmas Day;

All election days, except primary and special election days, in the county wherein the election is held;

Any day designated by proclamation by the President of the United States or by the governor as a holiday."

SECTION 3. Chapter 8, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§8- Statehood Day. The third Friday in August shall be known as Statehood Day, during which our statehood may be honored with appropriate displays, celebrations, and ceremonies.

Statehood Day is not and shall not be construed to be a state holiday."

SECTION 4. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

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