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.
HCR145 seeks to promote the revitalization and integration of Hawaiian language education in public schools across Hawaii. The resolution calls for the appointment of a committee comprised of educators, community leaders, and stakeholders to develop a comprehensive plan for enhancing Hawaiian language instruction. The plan is expected to address current resources, assess demand, and identify accessibility barriers. Central to the legislation is the acknowledgment of the Hawaiian language’s critical role in preserving and perpetuating cultural identity, thereby affecting educational policies and practices statewide.
HCR145 is a House Concurrent Resolution introduced in Hawaii's 32nd Legislature in 2024, aimed at increasing the accessibility of Hawaiian language education through the establishment of a specialized committee. The resolution underscores the importance of Olelo Hawaii as the native language of Hawaii's indigenous community, which has played a foundational role in the development of government, education, and cultural practices in Hawaii for over two millennia. The historical context highlights that Hawaii's public education system was originally established in Hawaiian by Kamehameha III in 1840, making it the oldest in the U.S. west of the Mississippi River. Furthermore, the resolution references the devastating impact of English-only policies established post-1893, which dramatically reduced the number of Hawaiian language speakers over the following decades.
While the bill aims to foster Hawaiian language education, it may encounter challenges in its implementation. Critics could voice concerns regarding resource allocation and the need for adequate teacher training to effectively deliver Hawaiian language instruction. Additionally, balancing the integration of Hawaiian language education with existing curricula and addressing diverse community needs are potential points of contention. The resolution is designed to ensure that educational policies are inclusive and consider the unique perspectives of Native Hawaiian communities, yet its success hinges on effective collaboration among various stakeholders involved in the education sector.