Nominating John D. Waihee Iii For Induction Into The Aloha Order Of Merit.
Summary
SCR117 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution that nominates former Governor John D. Waiheʻe III for induction into the Aloha Order of Merit. The resolution is largely honorary and celebratory, reciting Waiheʻe’s historic role as the first Native Hawaiian elected governor of any U.S. state, his service as Hawaii’s governor from 1986 to 1994, and his broader leadership in education, economic development, health care, Native Hawaiian rights, and public service. It also highlights his continued civic engagement after leaving office, including commentary on energy policy and leadership at the East-West Center.
The measure does not create new programs or regulatory requirements. Instead, it invokes the statutory criteria in section 5-7.6, Hawaii Revised Statutes, which governs eligibility for the Aloha Order of Merit, and formally transmits the nomination to the Aloha Order of Merit Committee and state officials. In practical terms, the resolution seeks recognition for an individual based on his long-term contributions and national significance, rather than changing substantive state law.
Impact
SCR117 has no direct fiscal or regulatory impact and does not amend the Hawaii Revised Statutes. Its legal effect is limited to a formal legislative nomination under the existing Aloha Order of Merit framework in section 5-7.6, HRS, which sets the standards for honorees and the process for recognizing them. The resolution affects the Aloha Order of Merit Committee, the Governor, legislative leadership, and former Governor Waiheʻe by advancing his candidacy for state honor.
Sentiment
The overall sentiment around the bill appears strongly favorable and respectful. The resolution is written in laudatory terms, emphasizing Waiheʻe’s historic achievements, public service, and continuing contributions to Hawaii. The available committee votes were unanimous and unamended in both the Senate Water, Land, and Agriculture Committee and the Senate Hawaiian Affairs Committee, suggesting broad bipartisan or cross-committee support and little controversy.
Contention
There is little visible contention in the available record. Because the measure is honorary, debate would likely center not on policy consequences but on whether Waiheʻe meets the statutory criteria for the Aloha Order of Merit and on the significance of his legacy. The resolution itself argues that he satisfies those standards through national recognition, extraordinary service, and contributions to Native Hawaiian advancement, and the unanimous committee votes indicate no recorded opposition in the materials provided.