Aloha
The word “Aloha” is known world wide as a Hawaiian way of greeting saying “Hello” or “Goodbye.” We would like to share with you the true meaning of Aloha. “Alo” means to joyfully share and “Ha” is the breath of life. This ancient word means I share with you the breath of life that is in me and I recognize that the essence of who I am is also who you are. I see myself in you and this way of being in Aloha is oneness.
from Chapter 5 of Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes:
[§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]