Hawaii Senate Bill SCR161

Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/10/23
• Refer: 3/15/23

Caption

Requesting The Department Of Education To Rename Noelani Elementary School To President Barack Obama Noelani Elementary School In Honor Of United States President Barack Obama.

Impact

If enacted, the resolution would officially change the name of Noelani Elementary School, reflecting not only a recognition of Obama's personal history with the institution but also a broader acknowledgment of his contributions to American history and civil rights. The renaming aligns with efforts to promote educational institutions that honor significant figures in history, shaping cultural and educational narratives within the state and potentially influencing future legislative actions concerning the naming of public spaces.

Summary

SCR161 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution introduced in the Thirty-second Legislature of the State of Hawaii, requesting the Department of Education to rename Noelani Elementary School to 'President Barack Obama Noelani Elementary School'. This proposal is in honor of United States President Barack Obama, who attended the school as a child. The bill emphasizes Obama's historical significance as the first African American president and his deep connections to the state of Hawaii, where he was born and raised. The resolution highlights not just his political achievements but also his grassroots efforts in community development during his early career.

Contention

While the resolution carries a mostly celebratory tone, it may also evoke discussions around the appropriation of public space for political and personal tributes. Some community members may question the implications of renaming a school and whether it serves the educational mission or aligns with the community's values. Further debate might focus on the legacy of Obama in contrast to current political sentiments, as well as the potential for similar requests for renamings of institutions honoring other historical figures.