The Hawaii Statehood Act was a law passed by the United States Congress in 1959 that granted statehood to the territory of Hawaii. This act allowed Hawaii to become the 50th state of the United States, officially joining the union on August 21, 1959. The act was significant as it marked the culmination of a long process for Hawaii, which had been a U.S. territory since 1898. The legislation aimed to address issues of governance and representation for the residents of Hawaii, ensuring they had the same rights and privileges as citizens in other states.