Hawaii Senate Bill SR201

Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

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

Caption

E Hookikina Aku Ana I Ka Oihana Hoonaauao I Ka Apono Ana I Komike E Hoopuka Ana I Ka Hoolala E Hiki Ai Ke Ka Ana Ia Ma Ka Hooulu Ana I Ke Ao Olelo Hawaii I Na Haumana A Pau Loa.

Impact

If enacted, SR201 would mandate the Department of Education to appoint a committee comprised of key stakeholders, including teachers, administrators, and community leaders, to develop a comprehensive plan for increasing Hawaiian language education in every school complex. The plan is expected to identify current resources, assess demand, develop strategies to overcome barriers, and establish performance measures to evaluate the plan's success. This initiative underscores the state’s commitment to cultural preservation and the importance of providing equitable access to education in the Hawaiian language, thus benefiting future generations in understanding and appreciating their heritage.

Summary

Senate Resolution 201 (SR201) seeks to address the urgency of expanding Hawaiian language education throughout the state of Hawaii, recognizing that Olelo Hawaii has been the primary language of Hawaii’s indigenous people for over two thousand years. The resolution emphasizes the historical significance of Hawaiian language education, tracing its roots back to the establishment of Hawaii's public education system by King Kamehameha III in 1840 using the Hawaiian language, making it the oldest school system in the U.S. west of the Mississippi River. SR201 acknowledges the cultural and educational contributions of the Hawaiian language and aims to restore its prominence in the state’s educational system after a prolonged period of decline due to legislative actions in the past, such as the English-only law that severely restricted its use in public schools.

Contention

The notable points of contention surrounding SR201 may include the challenges in resource allocation, the need for trained educators in the Hawaiian language, and varying perspectives within the community regarding the implementation of the expanded curriculum. Some stakeholders might argue about the adequacy of funding and the potential need for training existing teachers to meet the demands of a bilingual curriculum. The resolution’s success hinges on not only legislative support but also on the collaborative efforts of various educational and community organizations, ensuring comprehensive and effective Hawaiian language education is accessible to all students in the state.