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Senate committees advance bill to designate Lunar New Year as state holiday, noting collective‑bargaining limits
Summary
Senate Bill 47, which would designate the second new moon after the winter solstice as Lunar New Year state holiday, was advanced with amendments; testimony emphasized cultural importance and committee discussed collective‑bargaining and cost implications for state employee leave.
Senate Bill 47, proposing to designate the second new moon after the winter solstice as a state holiday honoring Lunar New Year, was advanced by joint committees on Feb. 10 with amendments and a defective date.
Charlene Chun testified in support as a Chinese American with deep roots in Hawaii’s Chinese community, saying, “I wholeheartedly support this effort to recognize the Lunar New Year and to continue perpetuating this cultural celebration for everyone in Hawaii to enjoy.” She described family traditions including food, music and lion dances and said a state holiday would help perpetuate those customs.
Committee members asked about fiscal and collective‑bargaining implications. Witnesses and the committee noted that recognizing a holiday does not automatically create a day off for state employees where collective bargaining governs leave; one witness explained that some holidays are observed but not days off, and time off for state employees would be subject to collective bargaining agreements.
The committee advanced SB 47 with amendments and a defective date to allow further discussion, including clarity on bargaining and cost impacts.
