HB 1604 Summary

• Directs the governor to petition the United States Department of State to amend the international date line so Hawaii shares the same calendar day as Japan instead of being one day behind.

• States that aligning Hawaii's calendar with Japan and most of Asia would allow the state to share the same work week with Asia and enable travelers to fly from Hawaii to Asia on the same day.

• Identifies potential economic benefits for Hawaii's Asia-tied business sector and the promotional advantage of Hawaii being the first U.S. location to begin each calendar day.

• Requires the governor to submit a report to the legislature no later than twenty days before the 2012 regular session convening on the status and progress of the petition efforts.

• Takes effect upon approval.