HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
H.R. NO.
93
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026
H.D. 1
STATE OF HAWAII
HOUSE RESOLUTION
NOMINATING JOHN D. WAIHEʻE III FOR INDUCTION INTO THE ALOHA ORDER OF MERIT.
WHEREAS, John D. Waiheʻe III made history as the first Native Hawaiian to be elected as Governor of any state in the United States, serving as the fourth Governor of the State from 1986 to 1994; and
WHEREAS, John D. Waiheʻe III's election as Governor was nationally and internationally significant, representing a milestone for Native Hawaiian leadership and inspiring indigenous peoples across the United States and beyond; and
WHEREAS, John D. Waiheʻe III distinguished himself nationally and internationally by working closely with presidents, governors, and foreign leaders and elevating the State's role as a bridge between the United States and Asia-Pacific region; and
WHEREAS, John D. Waiheʻe III was chosen by his fellow governors to serve as the Chair of the Democratic Governors Association in 1992, placing a governor from the State in a prominent national leadership role and reflecting the respect and confidence of his peers during a pivotal election year; and
WHEREAS, John D. Waiheʻe III also served as Chair of the Education Commission of the States, through which he helped shape national education policy and strengthen public education systems across the country while advocating for strong federal-state collaboration to support the State's schools; and
WHEREAS, during the period of military downsizing and economic transition in the early 1990s, John D. Waiheʻe III worked with federal leaders to support economic diversification, workforce development, and long-term stability for the State's economy; and
WHEREAS, John D. Waiheʻe III implemented and advanced the State's QUEST Health Care Program, an innovative Medicaid managed care model designed to expand access to health care coverage for low-income and working families, which received national recognition as a pioneering example of effective federal-state partnership in health care reform; and
WHEREAS, as the first Native Hawaiian governor of any state, John D. Waiheʻe III brought the voice and concerns of indigenous peoples into federal policy discussions, elevating the State's national stature and bringing distinction and honor to the State; and
WHEREAS, John D. Waiheʻe III served as a delegate and emerging leader at the State's Constitutional Convention of 1978, where he and fellow delegates championed reforms that reshaped the State's government and society, including establishing the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, formally recognizing the Hawaiian language as an official language of the State, strengthening protections for natural and cultural resources, and increasing government ethics and accountability, demonstrating his commitment to the betterment of all people of the State; and
WHEREAS, John D. Waiheʻe III further advanced the national dialogue on reconciliation and Native Hawaiian rights through the Hawaiian Sovereignty Advisory Commission, efforts that helped lay the groundwork for the 1993 Apology Resolution, Public Law 103-150; and
WHEREAS, John D. Waiheʻe III devoted his administration to the betterment of the people of the State, promoting educational opportunity, economic development, social equity, and environmental stewardship; and
WHEREAS, John D. Waiheʻe III continues to contribute to the well-being of the State through public commentary, civic engagement, and leadership in critical policy discussions, including his advocacy for resilience and accountability in the State's energy sector, as expressed in opinion articles published in Honolulu Civil Beat in 2024 and 2025, and through his ongoing promotion of the State's role as a vital bridge between Pacific nations and the United States while serving as Chair of the Board of Governors of the East-West Center; and
WHEREAS, through his current efforts in media, opinion editorials, and civic forums, John D. Waiheʻe III exemplifies lifelong service to the State, demonstrating that his leadership did not conclude with public office but continues to uplift and guide the lahui; and
WHEREAS, the Legislature established the Aloha Order of Merit in 1993 to honor certain individuals, and section 5-7.6, Hawaii Revised Statutes, provides in relevant part that "[h]onorees shall have:
(1) Achieved national or international recognition in their field either by a single event or by the totality of their work that has been either pioneering in their field or that has been outstanding in the long-term; and
(2) (A) Contributed to the attainment of statehood for Hawaii;
(B) Devoted themselves to the betterment of the State, embodying the concept of the Aloha Spirit;
(C) Provided extraordinary service to the State; or
(D) Brought honor to the State"; and
WHEREAS, John D. Waiheʻe III has achieved national and international recognition as a statesman and advocate for the State and its people through the totality of his work that has been outstanding in the long term; and
WHEREAS, John D. Waiheʻe III has devoted himself to the betterment of the State while embodying the concept of the Aloha Spirit, provided extraordinary service to the State, and brought honor to the State; and
WHEREAS, John D. Waiheʻe III meets all requirements necessary to be inducted as a member of the Aloha Order of Merit; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2026, that this body nominates John D. Waiheʻe III for induction into the Aloha Order of Merit; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Governor, members of the Aloha Order of Merit Committee, and former Governor John D. Waiheʻe III.
Report Title:
Governor; Aloha Order of Merit; Former Governor John D. Waiheʻe III; Nomination