THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

16

THIRTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2021

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

relating to state holidays.

 

 

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

 


     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Juneteenth Independence Day, is an American holiday that commemorates the June 19, 1865, announcement of the abolition of slavery in Texas, and more generally, the emancipation of enslaved African Americans throughout the former Confederate states.  At the beginning of 2020, Hawaii was one of only three states that had not recognized Juneteenth as a state holiday or special day of observance.  Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to establish June 19 of each year as a state holiday to be known as Juneteenth Day.

     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 nineteenth day in June, Juneteenth 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.  New statutory material is underscored.


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

 

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

State Holiday; Juneteenth

 

Description:

Establishes June 19 of each year as a state holiday to be known as Juneteenth Day.

 

 

 

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