Relating To Hawaiian As An Official Language Of The State Of Hawaii.
Impact
If enacted, SB16 would amend Hawaii Revised Statutes to state that the Hawaiian version of a law will be considered binding when it is originally drafted in Hawaiian, as long as it has not been altered in English. This change would signal a significant step towards acknowledging the status of Hawaiian within the legislative context and protecting the authenticity of Hawaii's cultural identity. The bill also aims to prevent misinterpretations that might arise due to translation discrepancies.
Summary
Senate Bill 16 (SB16) aims to affirm Hawaiian as an official language of the State of Hawaii, further recognizing its historical significance and cultural value. This legislation seeks to reinforce the legal standing of Hawaiian in the state's legal framework, particularly in cases where laws are originally drafted in Hawaiian and subsequently translated into English. The bill underscores the importance of indigenous languages and aligns with the international movements advocating for the rights of indigenous peoples.
Contention
The discussion around SB16 may involve debates on the practicality of operationalizing a bilingual legal system and the implications for public administration. Supporters of the bill argue that recognizing Hawaiian as a binding legal language is a necessary measure to uphold the rights and traditions of indigenous peoples, referencing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples to bolster their arguments. Opponents may raise concerns over the logistics of implementing this bilingual framework and the potential challenges it presents to state governance.
Requesting The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs To Identify The Scope Of Native Hawaiian Cultural Appropriateness For The Purpose Of Addressing Native Hawaiian Disparities.
Requesting The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs To Identify The Scope Of Native Hawaiian Cultural Appropriateness For The Purpose Of Addressing Native Hawaiian Disparities.