THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	1011
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

Relating to Culture and Arts.

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

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the aloha order of merit was established to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions and achieved national or international recognition in a field either by a single event or by the totality of work that has been pioneering in that field or outstanding in the long term. The legislature also finds that many exceptional and notable individuals are deserving of recognition specifically for their contributions to Hawaii. While the aloha order of merit honors individuals who have made national and international contributions and achieved recognition, the legislature believes there should be a similar program to honor individuals who have made their mark on Hawaii.

Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to establish the Hawaii leadership awards program to honor individuals who have made considerable and outstanding contributions to Hawaii in their respective fields and serve as inspirations to others.

SECTION 2. Chapter 9, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§9-   Hawaii leadership awards program. (a) There is established within the foundation for administrative purposes the Hawaii leadership awards program to honor individuals who:

(1) Have made considerable and outstanding contributions to Hawaii; and

(2) Serve as an inspiration to others.

(b) Awards shall be presented annually to individuals in each of the following categories:

(1) Arts;

(2) Business and labor;

(3) Entertainment;

(4) Food and drink;

(5) Literature;

(6) Music;

(7) Public service;

(8) Science;

(9) Sports;

(10) Community engagement;

(11) Profile in courage; and

(12) Friend of Hawaii,

who have resided in the State for a period of at least seven years; provided that no individual receiving an award pursuant to paragraph (12) shall reside in the State.

(c) The governor, lieutenant governor, and members of the Hawaii leadership awards selection committee, or their designees, shall present the awards to awardees annually. No individual shall receive more than one award per category per year.

(d) Each awardee shall:

(1) Receive a certificate of honor and medal; and

(2) Have the awardee's story and a statement of recognition displayed in a conspicuous place for a period of one year.

(e) Awardees shall be selected by a Hawaii leadership awards selection committee. The selection committee shall be composed of the following members or their designees:

(1) The lieutenant governor;

(2) The chairperson of the senate standing committee with primary jurisdiction over culture and arts; and

(3) The chairperson of the house of representatives standing committee with primary jurisdiction over culture and arts.

(f) Nominations for awardees shall be accepted by the Hawaii leadership awards selection committee from the public."

SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2025.

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

State Foundation on Culture and the Arts; Hawaii Leadership Awards Program

Description:

Establishes the Hawaii Leadership Awards Program to honor individuals who have made considerable and outstanding contributions to Hawaii and serve as inspirations to others.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.