‘One Love Day’ proclaimed in Hawaiʻi to honor the late Bob Marley

Gov. Josh Green on Friday proclaimed Feb. 14, 2025, as “One Love Day” in Hawaiʻi in honor of the late Bob Marley’s incredible musical legacy and 80th birthday.

Green signed the proclamation surrounded by Bob Marley’s sons Julian and Ky-Mani along with other members of the Marley ‘ohana in the hope it will encourage all residents and visitors to reflect on the values of love, unity and peace that Marley’s music embodies — and align perfectly with Hawai‘i’s aloha spirit.

Hawaiʻi has embraced the Jamaican music genre so deeply that local musicians, in solidarity with the messages Bob Marley shared — and with the experiences of the Jamaican people — created decades ago a subgenre of Hawaiian music called “Jawaiian,” a combination of traditional Hawaiian music with influences from reggae, hip-hop and other Caribbean music, and it is still going strong.

Marley, a pioneer of reggae music who brought Jamaican music and culture to a global audience, spread a message of peace, love, unity and social justice that continues to live on through his songs such as “One Love,” “Redemption Song” and “Three Little Birds.”

Feb. 6, 2025, marked what would have been his 80th birthday, a milestone to honor his contributions to the world of music and his enduring impact on the global community.

Marley’s legacy inspired — and continues to inspire — generations of people to stand up for equality, embrace diversity and spread kindness with their everyday actions.

You can read the governor’s proclamation online.

To view a replay of the “One Love Day” proclamation ceremony, during which Green, Julian Marley and Ky-Mani Marley gave remarks honoring Bob Marley, his legacy and the commemoration, click here.