Which of the following states is not one of the original 17 states of DECA?

Hawaii is indeed not one of the original 17 states of DECA. When DECA was founded in 1946, it initially included a group of states primarily from the mainland United States. These original states played a significant role in establishing DECA's mission of preparing emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management.

Arkansas, Kentucky, and Tennessee were part of the original states that supported DECA's inception and development. Each of these states contributed to the organization's early growth, helping to shape the programs and competitive events that are still fundamental to DECA today. In contrast, Hawaii's involvement came later, making it ineligible as an original member. This distinction highlights the historical context of DECA’s formation and the evolution of its membership across the United States.