Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SCR59

Introduced
3/10/22  

Caption

Urging The Board Of Education And Department Of Education To Change The Name Of President William Mckinley High School Back To Honolulu High School And Remove The Statue Of President Mckinley From The School Premises.

Impact

If implemented, SCR59 would signify a notable shift in how educational institutions in Hawaii engage with their historical narratives and affiliations. By restoring the school's original name, the resolution aims to honor the pre-colonial heritage of Hawaii and acknowledge the sociopolitical context surrounding the annexation. The resolution also seeks to promote educational curricula that are inclusive of the historical struggles faced by Hawaii's indigenous communities, thereby encouraging a broader understanding of racial equity and justice in the educational system.

Summary

Senate Concurrent Resolution 59 (SCR59) urges the Board of Education and the Department of Education in Hawaii to change the name of President William McKinley High School back to its original name, Honolulu High School, and to remove the statue of President McKinley from the school premises. This resolution is rooted in a critical examination of Hawaii's colonial history and reflects a growing movement to reassess names and symbols that perpetuate historical injustices towards Native Hawaiians. The legislation cites McKinley's role in the annexation of Hawaii and the subsequent cultural and political oppression faced by native populations as key justifications for this change.

Contention

However, the resolution may face criticism from those who argue that the renaming effort could erase historical significance associated with President McKinley. Supporters of the resolution contend that maintaining symbols of colonial oppression in public spaces continues to perpetuate trauma among Native Hawaiians. The conversation around SCR59 is indicative of larger societal questions regarding how history is remembered and taught, and it encapsulates ongoing tensions within the community regarding cultural representation and acknowledgment of past injustices. Ultimately, the measure reflects a broader legislative trend towards remaking state narratives to be more inclusive and equitable.

Companion Bills

HI HCR26

Same As Urging The Board Of Education And Department Of Education To Change The Name Of President William Mckinley High School Back To Honolulu High School And Remove The Statue Of President Mckinley From The School Premises.

HI SR54

Same As Urging The Board Of Education And Department Of Education To Change The Name Of President William Mckinley High School Back To Honolulu High School And Remove The Statue Of President Mckinley From The School Premises.

Previously Filed As

HI SCR38

Urging The Department Of Education To Implement A Hawaiian Language Requirement As Part Of The High School Graduation Requirements, Consistent With Existing English Graduation Requirements

HI HR217

Congratulating The 2024 Hawaii State Teacher Of The Year And The 2024 Teachers Of The Year For School Complex Areas In The Honolulu District, Leeward District, And Windward District.

HI HR45

Urging The Department Of Transportation And City And County Of Honolulu To Install Speed Bumps And Speed Limit Signage On The Portion Of Kapolei Parkway Between Kapolei High School And Kapolei Middle School.

HI SCR92

Requesting The Board Of Education, In Partnership With The Department Of Education, To Produce A Plan For Adhering To School Counselor Best Practices.

HI HCR114

Urging The Department Of Education To Require Department Schools Statewide To Include Lessons Regarding Hawaiian Independence Day, L Kokoa.

HI HR95

Urging The Department Of Education To Require Department Schools Statewide To Include Lessons Regarding Hawaiian Independence Day, L Kokoa.

HI HCR129

Urging The Department Of Education To Require Students To Complete And Pass The Civics Portion Of The United States Citizenship Test In Order To Graduate From High School Or Obtain A High School Diploma.

HI HR110

Urging The Department Of Education To Require Students To Complete And Pass The Civics Portion Of The United States Citizenship Test In Order To Graduate From High School Or Obtain A High School Diploma.

HI SCR48

Urging The Department Of Law Enforcement, Fire Departments And Police Departments Of Each County, Humane Societies In Each County, And Media Organizations Throughout The State To Collaborate To Create And Disseminate Public Service Announcements To Highlight The Dangers Of, And Advocate Against The Use Of, Illegal Fireworks In Order To Protect The Health And Safety Of The Community, Pets, And Wildlife.

HI SR26

Urging The Department Of Education To Implement A Hawaiian Language Requirement As Part Of The High School Graduation Requirements, Consistent With Existing English Graduation Requirements

Similar Bills

HI HR24

Urging The Board Of Education And Department Of Education To Change The Name Of President William Mckinley High School Back To Honolulu High School And Remove The Statue Of President Mckinley From The School Premises.

HI HCR26

Urging The Board Of Education And Department Of Education To Change The Name Of President William Mckinley High School Back To Honolulu High School And Remove The Statue Of President Mckinley From The School Premises.

HI SR54

Urging The Board Of Education And Department Of Education To Change The Name Of President William Mckinley High School Back To Honolulu High School And Remove The Statue Of President Mckinley From The School Premises.

HI HCR71

Urging The Superintendent Of Education To Request The Board Of Education To Honor Mckinley High School's 132 Fallen Soldiers By Safeguarding And Preserving The Name Of Mckinley High School.

HI HR64

Urging The Superintendent Of Education To Request The Board Of Education To Honor Mckinley High School's 132 Fallen Soldiers By Safeguarding And Preserving The Name Of Mckinley High School.

HI HR217

Congratulating The 2024 Hawaii State Teacher Of The Year And The 2024 Teachers Of The Year For School Complex Areas In The Honolulu District, Leeward District, And Windward District.

HI HR213

Congratulating The 2023 Hawaii State Teacher Of The Year And The 2023 Teachers Of The Year For School Complexes In The Leeward District And Honolulu District.

HI SB2688

Relating To Capital Improvement Projects For The Benefit Of The Twelfth Senatorial District.