STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1032

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 614

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 614, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO HAWAIIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to recognize Hawaiian Independence Day.

More specifically, this measure establishes La Kuokoa, or Hawaiian Independence Day, as a state holiday, recognizing the compelling history of Hawaiian independence and memorializing the injustice of the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom.

Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs, Kingdom of The Hawaiian Islands & White House, and eight individuals.

Your Committee received written comments on this measure from the Department of Budget and Finance and Office of Collective Bargaining.

Your Committee finds that recognizing La Kuokoa as a state holiday honors the cultural and historical significance of Hawaii's sovereignty and the heritage of Native Hawaiians. Your Committee further finds that establishing the state holiday would foster a deeper understanding of Hawaii's history and promote respect for its traditions and history.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 614, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

________________________________

DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair