It’s not just ‘hang loose.’ Lawmakers look to make the friendly ‘shaka’ Hawaii’s official gesture

A pinky and thumb extended with the remaining fingers curled down: That’s the “shaka” in Hawaii. People in Hawaii have a variety of shaka styles and use it to convey a range of warmhearted sentiments, from hi and bye to thanks and aloha, among other meanings. Now, a pair of bills in the state Legislature would make the shaka the state's official gesture and recognize Hawaii as its birthplace.