Hawaii has become the first US state to reclaim an official hand gesture known as ‘shaka’.
On Monday, Gov. Josh Green signed Senate Bill 3312, making the famous pinky-and-thumb gesture, also known as the “chill out” symbol, something very Hawaiian.
The bill was initially introduced in January as a way for Hawaiians to share their pride through the symbol that “really separates” Hawaiians from the rest of the world.
“Anyone who has spent time in Hawaii understands the cultural issues and the happiness that this hand gesture conveys,” said Sen. Glenn Wakai, who introduced the Senate version of the bill. KHON2.
‘Now, the challenge is to convey this to the rest of the world. If peace comes to Hawaii through a simple hand gesture, then why not make the most of that opportunity, he added.
Hawaii has become the first US state to reclaim a hand gesture known as ‘shaka’. (pictured: Steven Sue and Senator Glenn Wakai releasing Senate Bill 3312)
The notable pinky and thumb gesture is also known as the “hanging loose” symbol. (Pictured: A Hawaii Fire Department firefighter holding a shaka)
In a recent video for Project Shaka, Wakai told locals that “it’s very difficult to get a law” across the finish line.
“On average, maybe seven percent of the ideas that are introduced in January actually become law,” the senator said.
“Being seven percent lucky is a monumental task.”
According to the billThe adopted sign will be displayed in a “public artwork” created by the State Foundation for Culture and the Arts, Hawaii’s government arts agency.
Steve Sue, president of the nonprofit organization ID8, said there are multiple birth stories of the shaka.
“It originated here and if people here don’t even know where it came from, then we really have a lot of work to do to ensure that Hawaii gets credit for its gesture, that the meanings of Hawaii are imbued and used around the world appropriately,” Sue said.
The symbol has long been known to connect people around the world with their strong island roots. It is also shown as a symbol of belonging and community.
On Monday, Gov. Josh Green (pictured) signed Senate Bill 3312 that was introduced in January as a way for Hawaiians to share their pride through the symbol.
The gesture is typically associated with surf culture and, according to the Honolulu Star NewsletterOne theory suggests it all started with one man during World War II.
Hamana Kalili, who lost the three middle fingers of her right hand during an accident at the former Kahuku sugar mill, walked around the community greeting people with only her thumb and little finger.
Other possible theories about the origin of the shaka include that Spanish immigrants created it, while others think that a deceased actor created the gesture.
Spanish immigrants were known to curl their other fingers down and put their thumbs to their lips as a way to symbolize sharing a drink with native Hawaiians.
Lippy Espinda, known for his roles in Hawaii Five-O and Inferno in Paradise, is also believed to be the inventor of the shaka.
Espinda, of Oahu, who died in June 1975, is remembered for displaying the iconic symbol in television advertisements of the 1960s. While some do not recognize him as the creator, others give him credit for popularizing the symbol.
The symbol has long been known to connect people around the world with their strong island roots. It is also shown as a symbol of belonging and community. (pictured: a boy holding a shaka)
AP News He reported that people perform the hand symbol in different ways, some wave their shakas, while others remain still.
Chase Lee, a resident who grew up outside Honolulu, said, “It’s just a strong movement, a movement.”
Residents in rural and coastal parts of the state don’t typically shake hands when making the gesture, but people in the capital, like Lee, do.
Others are not in favor one way or another, as Dennis Cabelles of Honolulu said people can display it however they want.
“As long as you stick out your pinky and thumb, you can shake them or just do a flat shaka,” Cabelles said.
Well-known public figures have been seen holding the Hawaiian symbol, including Kobe Bryant, former US President George HW Bush and retired Wheel of Fortune host Pat Sajak.
Retired Wheel of Fortune host Pat Sajak showing off a shaka (left). Former President Barack Obama holding the gesture in 2008 (right)
Former President Barack Obama, who was born in Honolulu, is also photographed holding the symbol.
“2024 is really shaping up to be the year of the shaka,” Wakai said, adding that the state has introduced a personalized license plate with the symbol and a documentary about it.
‘Shaka: A Story of Aloha’ was written, directed and produced by Sue to spread the message of Hawaii’s gesture with the world.
Sue said: ‘Since the shaka was born in Hawai’i, it makes sense to claim it as our own. I bet he will see other states following Hawaii’s lead. Our world needs less hate and shooting, and more Shakas!’