Hawaii Senate Bill SCR126

Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/11/22
• Refer: 3/16/22

Caption

Recognizing The Period Between 2022 And 2032 As The United Nations International Decade Of Indigenous Languages.

Impact

The resolution serves to bolster efforts towards cultural preservation, especially for indigenous communities in Hawaii, where languages like Ōlelo Hawaii are recognized as official by the state's constitution. By formally recognizing this decade, the state commits to supporting initiatives and collaborations that celebrate and restore indigenous languages, providing a framework for educational and cultural programs aimed at increasing awareness and usage among younger generations. This could lead to enhanced funding and resources dedicated to language revitalization efforts.

Summary

SCR126 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution from the State of Hawaii, recognizing the period between 2022 and 2032 as the United Nations International Decade of Indigenous Languages. This resolution aligns with the global initiative aimed at preserving, revitalizing, and promoting the use of indigenous languages worldwide, which are facing critical risks of disappearance. By declaring this decade, the resolution emphasizes the importance of indigenous languages as repositories of cultural knowledge and diversity, essential for environmental understanding and resource management within local populations.

Contention

While SCR126 is primarily a recognition resolution without direct legislative implications, it is built on a backdrop of ongoing discussions about the challenges faced by indigenous languages and cultures. Some skeptics may argue that mere recognition lacks the substantive action necessary to make a tangible difference in revitalization efforts. Furthermore, the effectiveness of such resolutions often hinges on the commitment of state agencies and educational institutions to actively promote and engage in language preservation initiatives, which can vary widely across different sectors.