RECOGNIZING SEPTEMBER TWENTY-EIGHTH AS HAWAII GOOD NEIGHBOR DAY.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by David Alcos and 7 co-sponsors

Hawaii Designates September 28 as Hawaii Good Neighbor Day to encourage community-building activities and strengthen social connections without funding.

Referred to WLA.

#communityengagement #hawaiigoodneighborday #proclamation4601

Bill Summary: HCR 57 (2026) — Hawaii Good Neighbor Day

Main purpose and intent

Recognizes September 28 as Hawaii Good Neighbor Day.

Encourages Hawaii residents to host and participate in meaningful, connection-building community events on that day.

Seeks to promote asset-based, community-driven approaches to strengthening neighborhoods and social ties.

Key provisions and changes

Official designation: September 28 is recognized as Hawaii Good Neighbor Day by the Hawaii House of Representatives, with concurrent status in the Senate.

Encouragement of activity: The resolution urges residents to engage in neighborly activities and events that foster connection, collaboration, and a sense of community.

Documentation: A certified copy of the concurrent resolution is to be transmitted to the Governor.

Who/what would be affected

All Hawaii residents and communities: The designation serves as a statewide invitation to participate in events that build social ties and foster neighborliness.

Local governments, organizations, and community groups: Encouraged to organize or sponsor events (e.g., block parties, community clean-ups, neighbor-led gatherings) aligned with the spirit of Good Neighbor Day.

Governor: Receives a certified copy of the resolution for awareness and potential executive recognition.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Legislative history highlights:

Referred to relevant committees: House Lokahi/Wellness or similar (WLA); later progressed through the Committee on Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Veterans Affairs (CAA) and the Senate.
Adopted in House with amendments (HD 1) and transmitted to the Senate on March 31, 2026.
Senate concurrence and final passage proceeded in April 2026, culminating in referral and awaiting further action.

Effective date: The resolution designates September 28 as Hawaii Good Neighbor Day for the current and future years; it does not establish a statutory mandate or funding mechanism, but rather an ceremonial recognition and public encouragement.

Context and rationale (as described in the bill text)

National context: Good Neighbor Day originated in Montana in the early 1970s; U.S. recognition began with Presidential proclamations and later national designation adjustments.

Underlying philosophy: Emphasizes asset-based community development, neighborly engagement, and the belief that strong social ties reduce crime and improve overall community well-being.

Local examples: References to various U.S. cities hosting events that emphasize neighbor-led activities and community connection illustrate the type of activities the designation aims to promote in Hawaii.

Bill