RELATING TO STATE HOLIDAYS.

SB2220

THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

2220

THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026

STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

Relating
to state holidays
.

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

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SECTION 1.
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The
legislature finds that 2024 marked the two hundred thirty-fifth anniversary of
the first arrival of Asian immigrant workers in Hawaii.
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As of July 1, 2022, approximately five
hundred thousand Hawaii residents, more than thirty-seven per cent of the
State's population, were of Asian descent.

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The legislature recognizes that Asians have
made significant contributions to the State's social, civic, and economic
success, as well as its diverse and vibrant culture, which includes the
celebration of the Lunar New Year.
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The
Lunar New Year is joyously observed by numerous residents in the State and is
celebrated by more than two-thirds of Chinese, Korean, Japanese, and Vietnamese
Americans across the United States.
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The
Lunar New Year provides a time to renew one's family ties; reflect upon the
past year; and wish for good fortune, health, and prosperity in the year ahead.

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The legislature also finds that the United
States House of Representatives introduced resolutions recognizing the cultural
and historical significance of the Lunar New Year in 2021 and 2023; California
recognized the Lunar New Year as a state holiday in 2022; and New York
recognized the Lunar New Year as a public-school holiday in 2023.

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The legislature further finds that, by
establishing the Lunar New Year as a state holiday in Hawaii, the State can
honor its rich cultural history, demonstrate its commitment to cultural
diversity, and extend its best wishes for peace and prosperity to all who
celebrate this important occasion.

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Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to:

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(1)
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Designate
the day of the second new moon after the winter solstice of each year as the
Lunar New Year; and

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(2)
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Establish
the Lunar New Year as a state holiday.

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

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"
�8-1

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Holidays designated.
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The following days of each year are set apart
and established as state holidays:

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

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

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The
day of the second new moon after the winter solstice, Lunar New Year;

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The
third Monday in February, Presidents' Day;

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

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The
Friday preceding Easter Sunday, Good Friday;

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The
last Monday in May, Memorial Day;

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The
eleventh day in June, King Kamehameha I Day;

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The
fourth day in July, Independence Day;

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The
third Friday in August, Statehood Day;

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The
first Monday in September, Labor Day;

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The
eleventh day in November, Veterans' Day;

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The
fourth Thursday in November, Thanksgiving Day;

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The
twenty-fifth day in December, Christmas Day;

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

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

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SECTION 3.
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New statutory material is underscored.

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SECTION 4.
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This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED
BY:

_____________________________

Report Title:

Public
Administration; State Holidays; Lunar New Year

Description:

Designates
the day of the second new moon after the winter solstice of each year as a
state holiday celebrating the Lunar New Year.

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