HI SB2256

Designates April 27 of each year as "Brother Joseph Dutton Day" in Hawaii, a day of observance but not a state holiday.

Brother Joseph Dutton (born Ira Barnes Dutton on April 27, 1843) was a Civil War veteran who arrived at Kalaupapa, Molokai in July 1886 to assist Father Damien in caring for leprosy patients.

After Father Damien's death in 1889, Dutton managed the Baldwin Home for Boys for leprosy victims and dedicated the remainder of his life to Kalaupapa residents until his death on March 26, 1931.

The Hawaii Territorial House of Representatives recognized Dutton's 40 years of service in 1929 through House Resolution No. 7.

The designation would join similar Hawaii observances including Saint Damien de Veuster Day (May 10), Saint Marianne Cope Day (January 23), and Kalaupapa Month (January).