The Aloha Spirit Law is an ACTUAL law “on the books” in Hawai`i, encoded in the Hawai`i Revised Statutes, section 5-7.5 and acknowledges that The Aloha Spirit “was the working philosophy of native Hawaiians and was presented as a gift to the people of Hawai`i.”
All of us as citizens and government officials in Hawai`i are obligated by law to conduct ourselves in accordance with this law, while performing our duties and obligations, as well as in our day-to-day living. Likewise, those visiting our fair islands are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with this Hawaiian law.
The Aloha Spirit elevates, empowers and ennobles its people, and KEEPS Hawai`i the uniquely special place that it is. The Aloha Spirit Law deserves our unmitigated support and compliance. As a model law for the world, it can serve the greatest number for its greatest good.
Together, we can make The Aloha Spirit as vibrant and REAL as it was for those who came before us. Those who have experienced The Aloha Spirit have an obligation to make it real for those who follow. An individual, conscious effort is required. Let it begin with you.
Full text of The Aloha Spirit Law
[§5-7.5] The Aloha Spirit.
(a) The Aloha Spirit is the coordination of mind and heart within each person. It brings each person to the Self. Each person must think and emote good feelings to others. In the contemplation and presence of the life force, Aloha, the following unuhi laulâ loa (free translation) may be used:
- Akahai meaning kindness to be expressed with tenderness;
- Lôkahi meaning unity, to be expressed with harmony;
- `Olu`olu meaning agreeable, to be expressed with pleasantness;
- Ha`aha`a meaning humility, to be expressed with modesty;
- Ahonui meaning patience, to be expressed with perseverance.
- Aloha is more than a word of greeting or farewell or a salutation.
- Aloha means mutual regard and affection and extends warmth in caring with no obligation in return.
- Aloha is the essence of relationships in which each person is important to every other person for collective existence.
- Aloha means to hear what is not said, to see what cannot be seen and to know the unknowable.
(b) In exercising their power on behalf of the people and in fulfillment of their responsibilities, obligations and service to the people, the legislature, governor, lieutenant governor, executive officers of each department, the chief justice, associate justices, and judges of the appellate, circuit, and district courts may contemplate and reside with the life force and give consideration to The Aloha Spirit. [L 1986, c 202, §1]
“To the Hawai`i of Old, The Spirit of Aloha was a concept REAL and vital to the existence of her people. Aloha was the spiritual essence of life. Aloha was a philosophy, a way of living, a code in life. The Aloha Chant defines and expresses the characteristics and traits of that Spirit. These words were not composed by, but conveyed, to Pilahi Pakî, a makua (parent/elder) with a purpose and responsibility …a kuleana. That kuleana was to carry and pass on the message of Aloha…”
“Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that, some have entertained angels unaware”
“O ke aloha ke kuleana o kâhi malihini.”
The above quote translates as, “Love is the host of strange places.” In old Hawai`i, every passerby was greeted and offered hospitality whether a total stranger or acquaintance.