Hawaii House Bill HR126

Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/8/24
• Refer: 3/14/24

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

This resolution directly addresses historical injustices faced by the Hawaiian language, particularly its decline following the imposition of an English-only educational policy post-1893. The bill references previous efforts, such as House Concurrent Resolution No. 130, which expressed regret for past prohibitions against the language in educational settings. By establishing a plan for Hawaiian language education, the resolution seeks not only to enhance linguistic skills among students but also to foster a deeper understanding of Hawaiian culture and history.

Summary

House Resolution 126 (HR126) calls upon the Department of Education in Hawaii to form a committee tasked with devising a measurable plan to enhance the instruction of the Hawaiian language across all public school complexes. It acknowledges the historical significance of the Hawaiian language, which has served as a foundation for the Hawaiian culture and society for over two thousand years. The resolution aims to ensure that the Hawaiian language, as an official state language, is effectively nurtured and integrated into educational frameworks.

Contention

While the resolution is mostly procedural in nature, it opens discussions on resource allocation for Hawaiian language education. Key stakeholders, including educators and community leaders, are anticipated to weigh in on the demands for resources, barriers to implementation, and potential partnerships. The effectiveness of this initiative will be gauged through performance measures established by the committee, lending a degree of accountability to the process, amidst broader debates about educational priorities in Hawaii.