Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SR56

Introduced
3/8/24  
Refer
3/14/24  
Introduced
3/8/24  
Refer
3/27/24  
Refer
3/14/24  
Report Pass
4/3/24  
Refer
3/27/24  
Passed
4/4/24  
Report Pass
4/3/24  

Caption

Requesting Businesses In Hawaii To Use Hawaiian Language And Requesting The Department Of Education To Develop And Implement Education Programs To Teach Employees Hawaiian And Hire Permanent Hawaiian Language Teachers.

Impact

The bill requests the Hawaii Department of Education to develop and implement educational programs that will provide language training for employees of these businesses. Specifically, it seeks to create permanent teaching positions for Hawaiian language educators, ensuring that there are resources available to facilitate this educational outreach. Additionally, the resolution promotes the idea of making Hawaiian language courses accessible at all public high schools in the state, aiming for a broader societal impact that encourages linguistic diversity and cultural education.

Summary

Senate Resolution 56 calls for businesses in Hawaii to incorporate the Hawaiian language, known as ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, into their daily operations. This initiative aims to enhance the cultural richness of Hawaii by promoting the use of Hawaiian in signage, communication materials, and customer interactions. The resolution emphasizes the significance of the Hawaiian language as a central element of Hawaii's heritage and aims to foster an inclusive environment that recognizes and supports the cultural diversity of the state.

Sentiment

The sentiment around SR56 is largely positive among advocates who value cultural preservation and inclusivity, seeing the incorporation of the Hawaiian language in businesses as a step towards maintaining Hawaiian identity. There is strong support from cultural organizations and community stakeholders who believe in the educational benefits of teaching the language. However, it may face some resistance from businesses concerned about the implications of this request on their operations and the potential costs involved in implementing language training programs.

Contention

A notable point of contention regarding SR56 includes the feasibility and practicality of its implementation within the business sector. Critics may express concerns about the administrative burden this request may impose on small businesses, particularly those lacking the resources to train employees in a new language. There may also be debates surrounding the adequacy of support from the Department of Education in executing the proposed educational programs, and whether the initiative adequately addresses the complexities of integrating Hawaiian into commercial contexts.

Companion Bills

HI SCR68

Same As Requesting Businesses In Hawaii To Use Hawaiian Language And Requesting The Department Of Education To Develop And Implement Education Programs To Teach Employees Hawaiian And Hire Permanent Hawaiian Language Teachers.

Similar Bills

HI HB2491

Relating To The Hawaiian Language.

HI SB1317

Relating To Public Land Trust Funds.

HI HB1266

Relating To Public Land Trust Funds.

HI HR21

Requesting The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs To Identify The Scope Of Native Hawaiian Cultural Appropriateness For The Purpose Of Addressing Native Hawaiian Disparities.

HI HCR32

Requesting The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs To Identify The Scope Of Native Hawaiian Cultural Appropriateness For The Purpose Of Addressing Native Hawaiian Disparities.

HI SB1413

Relating To The Hawaiian Language.

HI HB1986

Relating To The Board Of Education.

HI SB392

Relating To Support For Traditional Native Speakers Of Hawaiian.