Hawaii establishes Brother Joseph Dutton Day to honor his service in Kalaupapa
The state of Hawaii has officially recognized Servant of God Joseph Dutton by designating April 27 as “Brother Joseph Dutton Day,” according to an announcement on Apr. 27. Governor Josh Green signed Senate Bill 2256 into law after calling Dutton a “hero” who dedicated his life to people diagnosed with Hansen’s disease, also known as leprosy.
This recognition highlights the legacy of Joseph Dutton, who worked alongside Father Damien de Veuster and spent decades ministering to patients with Hansen’s disease on the Molokai peninsula. Bishop Larry Silva and members of the Joseph Dutton Guild attended the signing ceremony at the state Capitol, along with lawmakers including Senate President Ron Kouchi, Senator Lynn DeCoite, and Representative Jeanne Kapela.
DeCoite and Kapela led efforts in their respective chambers to pass this measure after previous attempts had failed. “Brother Dutton did not seek recognition at all,” DeCoite said before the bill signing. “He simply just showed up. … Through his actions he brought dignity, comfort and hope to those who had been isolated from their families and communities.”
Dutton now joins St. Damien de Veuster and St. Marianne Cope—both recognized for their work in Kalaupapa—with official days of recognition in Hawaii: May 10 for St. Damien de Veuster Day, Jan. 23 for St. Marianne Cope Day, and April 27 for Brother Joseph Dutton Day.
Joseph Dutton was born Ira Barnes Dutton on April 27, 1843, in Vermont before moving to Wisconsin during childhood. After serving in the Civil War and experiencing personal struggles—including a failed marriage and alcoholism—he converted to Catholicism in 1883 under the name Joseph. Inspired by Father Damien’s ministry, he arrived in Hawaii three years later where he remained until his death in Honolulu in 1931.
The Diocese of Honolulu supports multicultural faith communities throughout Hawaii according to its official website. The diocese is affiliated with the Catholic Church according to its official website and operates sixty-six parishes across the Hawaiian Islands according to its official website. Its ministries focus on spreading the Gospel message while addressing spiritual needs according to its official website. Clarence Silva serves as bishop of Honolulu according to its official website, leading an organization that extends across all Hawaiian Islands according to its official website.
A video recording of Governor Green’s bill-signing ceremony can be found on his Facebook page.
