Aloha Spirit - It's the Law!
Well, not exactly, but the definition of aloha spirit and guidance for
public officials to remember this philosophy when performing their duties
is contained in the Hawaii Revised Statutes (State Law): [§5-7.5]
"Aloha Spirit"
It's not the same kind of "law" as those which make it
illegal to rob a bank or steal a car, rather it serves as a reminder of
the thread of life that binds all of us and also connects us with the past
generations and future generations. It reminds us to consider the
other person and try to put ourselves in their place and understand from
their perspective. "Breaking" this law carries no obvious
penalty such as a fine or being put in jail. Forgetting it does have
consequences, the least of which is that things just won't work as well as
they do when we remember it! It is similar to the Golden Rule,
though not exactly the same in usage. Like the Golden Rule, though,
Aloha Spirit can change the world.
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[§5-7.5] "Aloha Spirit".
(a) "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 laula
loa may be used:
"Akahai", meaning kindness,
to be expressed
with tenderness;
"Lokahi", meaning unity,
to be expressed
with harmony;
"Oluolu", meaning agreeable,
to be expressed
with pleasantness;
"Haahaa", meaning humility,
to be expressed
with modesty;
"Ahonui", meaning patience,
to be expressed
with perseverance.
These are traits of character that express the charm,
warmth and sincerity of Hawaii's people. It was the working philosophy
of native Hawaiians and was presented as a gift to the people of Hawaii.
"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]
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