The ‘shaka’ is about to become an official state gesture in Hawaii

For many years, the people of Hawaii have used a unique hand gesture known as the “shaka” to express various sentiments, including greetings and gratitude. This sign is made by extending the thumb and little finger while keeping the other fingers bent.

Recently, the Hawaiian legislature approved a proposal to declare the shaka as the state’s official symbol. This decision honours Hawaii as the place where the shaka originated, despite various stories about its beginnings. The gesture is widely recognized for promoting the spirit of “aloha,” which encompasses love, peace, and compassion, as well as for encouraging connections among people and righteous living.

Senator Glenn Wakai, one of the main advocates for the bill, believes that the shaka represents the essence of Hawaii’s positive spirit. Although the bill is not groundbreaking in terms of policy, Wakai emphasizes its importance in capturing Hawaii’s unique charm.

Governor Josh Green has expressed his support for the bill and intends to sign it, provided there are no significant issues with its wording. Once signed, the law will be effective immediately.

The Shaka Story

The initiative for the bill was inspired by Steve Sue, a Honolulu filmmaker who created a documentary exploring the shaka’s history and various meanings. During his discussions with Senator Wakai, Sue expressed his wish to recognize the shaka’s significance to Hawaii formally.

Sue’s documentary, titled “Shaka, A Story of Aloha,” delves into the diverse tales of the shaka’s origins shared by Hawaiian elders, some dating back over a century. The film also investigates the name “shaka,” which is not native to the Hawaiian language and might have Japanese roots.

One of the earliest accounts of the shaka involves Hamana Kalili, a Hawaiian who lost three fingers in an industrial accident and later used the remaining fingers to wave off train stowaways. This story, among others, has contributed to the shaka’s rich history.

Despite differing narratives, the shaka is a common gesture in Hawaii, used in everyday interactions and in surfing culture. The bill aims to strengthen Hawaii’s identity and pride through the shaka, and the Hawaii State Foundation on Culture and the Arts may even establish a public exhibit to showcase its history.

While some have criticized the bill as trivial, it has received unanimous support in the legislature and is now awaiting the governor’s signature.