STAND. COM. REP. NO. 366

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2025

RE: H.B. No. 957

H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Madame:

Your Committee on Culture & Arts, to which was referred H.B. No. 957 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO LAULAU DAY,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to designate May 1 of each year as Laulau Day.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau and numerous individuals.

Your Committee finds that the consumption and preparation of laulau are cherished practices in Hawaiian communities, serving as a symbol of unity and cultural pride. Your Committee also finds that the preservation and promotion of Hawaiian food traditions are essential to honoring the rich legacy of Native Hawaiian culture and fostering a deeper understanding of the cultural practices that have been passed down through generations. Your Committee believes that designating one day each year as Laulau Day will provide an opportunity to celebrate and recognize the cultural significance of laulau and support local farmers, restaurants, and communities who keep this tradition alive.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Designating the first Friday in May, rather than May 1, of each year as Laulau Day;

(2) Changing the effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion; and

(3) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

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 H.B. No. 957, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 957, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs.

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

____________________________

JEANNE KAPELA, Chair