Multiple Hawai’i ethnic cultures including Hawaiian, Samoan, Japanese, Chinese, Portuguese, Filipino Haole, and various resident groups have contributed to the deep and complex meanings of the shaka. The shaka is in fact representative of 110 years of Hawai’i history and Hawai’iʻs melting pot of cultures and heritage at large. If any state other than Hawai’i adopted the shaka first, the meaning and historical significance of Hawai’iʻs shaka would be diluted. Thus Hawai’iʻs adoption of the shaka will ensure that the meaning of the gesture will be protected and forever tied to Hawai’i culture and heritage.

The shaka is a key asset for the people and the State of Hawai’i to enjoy in that it offers the power to build our economy and global brand. No other symbol for Hawai’i is as visual and intuitively meaningful as the shaka. A second best brand symbol might be the word “aloha”, or images of rainbows or tropical flowers but none are as iconically Hawai’i as the Shaka. Further, as a brand symbol that requires no word characters, it is superior as an international brand symbol. This is why countless Hawai’i apparel, food, art, transportation, souvenir and other businesses leverage the shaka as a key design element. The shaka needs to be preserved for the economic vitality of Hawai’i.

The shaka is imbued with Hawaii’s meaning of aloha, such as being thankful, welcoming, being of service, fostering connection and being “pono.” As such, it is an ideal way to share aloha, both locally and around the world.

The Aloha Spirit Law is an actual law that is encoded in the Hawaii Revised Statutes as section 5-7.5. This statute requires that all citizens, government officials and visitors conduct themselves in accordance with the Aloha Spirit. Appropriate use of the shaka supports and makes possible the compliance with the Aloha Spirit Law.

Famed Hawaiian philosopher Aunty Pilahi Paki once wrote, “The world will turn to Hawai’i as they search for world peace, as Hawai’i has the key, and that key is aloha.” The shaka is such a key to unlock peace. Further, its meaning of having no fear and going for excellence, also renders it a key to creating paradise in Hawai’i and anywhere in the world beyond. To achieve these ends, itʻs essential that the Hawaiian shaka be preserved and protected.

This initiative has no budgetary request associated with it.