Takai wants aloha wear at U.S. House

U.S. Rep. Mark Takai wants to be able to don an aloha shirt on the floor of the House of Representatives on “Aloha Fridays.”

Takai, D-Hawaii, has asked Speaker of the House Paul Ryan to allow aloha wear on the floor.

The congressman said his office has observed Aloha Fridays since he came into office in 2014. “However, when House votes occur on Fridays, it is harder to get into the spirit, as aloha wear is forbidden by the House rules, which requires that full business attire be worn on the floor,” Takai wrote Friday in his letter.

“The aloha shirt is a tangible symbol of the Aloha Spirit — it embraces diversity, inclusion and friendliness that pervades throughout the state of Hawaii. Embracing the aloha shirt will allow members to embrace the Aloha Spirit — something that Washington could use a little more of,” Takai wrote.

Takai told Ryan his recommendation supports small business and promotes “a unique Hawaiian custom in the United States House of Representatives, Aloha Friday.”

His office said Friday it was awaiting a response.

Takai is ranking member of the House Small Business Committee’s Subcommittee on Contracting and the Workforce.