Relating To Support For Traditional Native Speakers Of Hawaiian.
This bill is designed to provide clarity on the types of support needed for native speakers of Hawaiian and to ensure that public services accommodate these speakers. It mandates that efforts be made to translate public documents and provide services in Hawaiian, thereby promoting inclusivity and engagement of native speakers. Additionally, the bill enables public schools to offer Hawaiian language courses, allowing students to earn credits towards their language requirements, which further supports the revitalization of the language.
Senate Bill 392 seeks to reaffirm the significance of the Hawaiian language and provide support for its native speakers within the State of Hawaii. The legislation acknowledges the historical decline of the Hawaiian language due to government policies in the early twentieth century, which minimized its value and resulted in the cessation of public education and services in Hawaiian. With a dramatic drop in the number of speakers to nearly extinct levels by the late 20th century, the bill recognizes the importance of traditional speakers, particularly those from Niihau, who have maintained their linguistic heritage.
The introduction of SB 392 is grounded in the belief that while the growth of Hawaiian immersion schools has increased the number of speakers, the influence of native speakers in educational environments is crucial for legitimate language transmission. Critics of educational policies that prioritize new constructions of the Hawaiian language, as seen in immersion programs, may argue that this undermines the authentic use and understanding of the language as maintained by the Niihau community. The bill addresses these concerns by specifically emphasizing the role of traditional native speakers in teaching and preserving the language.