In a nod to its rich cultural heritage, Hawaii's State Legislature appears poised to designate the iconic "shaka" gesture as the island's official symbol, recognizing it as its birthplace.

A pinky and thumb extended with the remaining fingers curled down: That’s the “shaka” in Hawaii. A pair of bills in the Legislature would make the shaka Hawaii’s official gesture.

Creative, visual storytelling by reporter Jennifer Kelleher, video journalist Manuel Valdes and digital producer Akira Kumamoto made an instant talker out of the Hawaii Legislature’s effort to claim ...