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GM 1110

Informing the Legislature that on May 14, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: SB3022 SD1 HD1 (ACT 010).

2026 Regular Session

The Hawaii Leadership Awards Program formally honors Hawaii residents for significant contributions across 12 fields, with archival preservation of awardees' stories.

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Bill Summary · GM 1110

Overview

SB3022 HD1 SD1 (ACT 010), signed into law by the Governor on May 14, 2026, establishes the Hawaii Leadership Awards Program within the state archives to honor residents who have made outstanding contributions to Hawaii and who inspire others.

Purpose and intent

  • Create a formal state recognition program parallel to the Aloha Order of Merit, specifically to honor individuals who have made notable contributions to Hawaii in various fields and who have resided in the state for at least seven years.
  • Provide a mechanism to publicly acknowledge and preserve the stories of awardees, highlighting local impact and leadership.

Key provisions and changes

  • Establishment: Creates the Hawaii Leadership Awards Program within the state archives for administrative purposes.
  • Award categories: Annually recognize individuals in 12 categories:
    • Arts
    • Business and labor
    • Entertainment
    • Food and drink
    • Literature
    • Music
    • Sports
    • Science
    • Community engagement
    • Public service
    • Friend of Hawaii
    • Profile in courage
  • Residency requirement: Awardees must have resided in Hawaii for at least seven years; however, those awarded under “Friend of Hawaii” may not reside in the state.
  • Award presentation: The governor, lieutenant governor, and a Hawaii Leadership Awards Selection Committee (or their designees) will present awards each year.
  • Awardee recognition: Each recipient receives a certificate of honor and a medal. The recipient’s story and recognition statement must be displayed conspicuously for one year; afterward, their information is added to a permanent archival exhibit and archived in the state archives.
  • Selection process: A dedicated Hawaii Leadership Awards Selection Committee, including appointees from the president of the Senate, the Speaker of the House, the governor, the lieutenant governor, and the state archives, will select awardees. The committee must ensure visibility and fair consideration for all nominees.
  • Nominations: Open to the public; the state archives coordinate administration of the program and the nomination process.

Who is affected

  • Individuals residing in Hawaii (with the seven-year residency requirement) who have made substantial contributions in the designated fields and are considered role models or leaders.
  • State agencies: Governor’s Office, Legislature (via appointing committee members), and the State Archives (administrative coordination and archival responsibilities).
  • Public: Increased visibility of local leaders across multiple sectors and a formalized mechanism to preserve and showcase their contributions.

Procedural and timeline notes

  • Effective date: July 1, 2026.
  • Implementation: The State Archives will coordinate with relevant stakeholders to administer the program.
  • Annual cadence: Awards are presented annually with associated recognition and archiving of awardees.

Significance

This act formalizes statewide recognition of individuals whose work and leadership benefit Hawaii, fostering inspiration, historical preservation, and public engagement across diverse fields.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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