Hawaii is the first U.S. state to claim an official hand gesture known as the “shaka.”
On Monday, Gov. Josh Green signed Senate Bill 3312, making the distinctive pinky and thumb gesture, also known as the “hang loose” symbol, Hawaii’s own symbol.
The bill was introduced in January as a way for Hawaiians to show their pride through the symbol that “truly sets Hawaiians apart” from the rest of the world.
“Anyone who has spent time in Hawaii understands the cultural issues and happiness that this hand gesture conveys,” said Sen. Glenn Wakai, who introduced the Senate version of the bill. KHON2.
‘The challenge now is to convey that to the rest of the world. “If peace comes from Hawaii through a simple wave of the hand, why not take full advantage of that opportunity,” he added.
Hawaii has become the first US state to claim a hand gesture known as the ‘shaka’. (photo: Steven Sue and Senator Glenn Wakai post to Senate Bill 3312)
The striking pinky and thumb gesture is also known as the ‘hang loose’ symbol. (Photo: A Hawaii Fire Department firefighter holds up a shaka)
In a recent “Project Shaka” video, Wakai explained to locals that “it’s super hard to get a piece of legislation” to the finish line.
“On average, perhaps seven percent of the ideas introduced in January actually become law,” he said.
‘Being one of the lucky seven percent is a huge task.’
According to the accountthe adopted sign will be displayed in a “public work of art” created by the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, the Hawaiian government’s arts agency.
Steve Sue, president of the nonprofit ID8, said there are several birth stories involving the shaka.
“It comes from here and if people here don’t even know where it comes from, then we really have some work to do to make sure that Hawaii gets recognition for its gesture, that the Hawaiian meanings are infused into it and used all over the world. And rightly so,” Sue said.
The symbol has long been known to connect people around the world to their strong island roots. It is also displayed as a symbol of connection and community.
On Monday, Governor Josh Green (pictured) signed Senate Bill 3312, which was introduced in January as a way for Hawaiians to share their pride through the symbol
The gesture is commonly associated with surfing culture, and according to the Honolulu Star BulletinAccording to one theory, it all started with one man during World War II.
Hamana Kalili, who lost the middle three fingers on his right hand in an accident at the old Kahuku Sugar Mill, walked around the community greeting people with just his thumb and little finger.
Other possible theories about where the shaka originated include that Spanish immigrants created it, while others believe a deceased actor created the gesture.
Spanish immigrants were known to fold their other fingers down and raise their thumbs to their lips as a way to symbolize that they were sharing a drink with Hawaiian natives.
Lippy Espinda, known for his roles in Hawaii Five-O and Inferno in Paradise, is also credited as the inventor of the shaka.
Espinda, of Oahu, who died in June 1975, is remembered for featuring the iconic symbol in television advertisements in the 1960s. Although some do not recognize him as the creator, others credit him for popularizing the symbol.
The symbol has long been known to connect people around the world to their strong island roots. It is also displayed as a symbol of connection and community. (photo: a child holding a shaka)
AP News reported that people interact with the hand symbol in different ways, with some shaking their shakas while others remain still.
Chase Lee, a resident who grew up outside Honolulu, said, “It’s just a strong movement — one movement.”
Residents of rural and beach areas of the state typically don’t shake their hands when they make the gesture, but people in the capital, like Lee, do.
Others are not in favor of one way or another, such as Dennis Cabelles of Honolulu saying people can display it however they want.
“As long as you keep your pinky and thumb out, you can wave it or just do a flat shaka,” Cabelles said.
Well-known public figures have been seen holding up the Hawaiian symbol, including Kobe Bryant, former US President George HW Bush and retired Wheel of Fortune host Pat Sajak.
Pat Sajak, former Wheel of Fortune host, shows off a shaka (left). Former President Barack Obama held up the gesture in 2008 (right)
Former President Barack Obama, who was born in Honolulu, has also been photographed holding the symbol aloft.
“2024 really seems to be the year of the shaka,” Wakai said. He added that the state has introduced a modified license plate with the symbol and a documentary has been made about it.
“Shaka: A Story of Aloha” was written, directed and produced by Sue to spread the message of Hawaii’s gesture to the world.
Sue said, “Since the shaka was born in Hawaii, it makes sense to claim it as our own. I bet you’ll see other states follow Hawaii’s lead. Our world needs less hate and gunfire, and more Shakas!’