Relating To The Judiciary's olelo Hawaii Initiatives.
Impact
Through this bill, an appropriation of $300,000 is designed to support various projects over the fiscal years 2023-2024 and 2024-2025. This funding will be allocated primarily towards the recruitment of a program coordinator and the implementation of translation services, website upgrades, and educational materials. The long-term goal is to facilitate greater access for speakers of Ōlelo Hawaii and improve representation in the judiciary system, further embedding the language in state governance.
Summary
House Bill 267 addresses the judiciary's initiatives for promoting the use of Ōlelo Hawaii (Hawaiian language) in legal proceedings and public services. This bill recognizes both English and Ōlelo Hawaii as the official languages of the State of Hawaii, as stipulated in article XV, section 4 of the Hawaii State Constitution. The legislative intent is to bolster the judiciary's ongoing efforts to provide resources in both languages, further promoting cultural and historical recognition within the state’s legal system.
Contention
While the bill does not introduce revolutionary changes, it is a significant step toward integrating Ōlelo Hawaii into government services. Some stakeholders may view it as an essential investment in cultural preservation, while others might perceive it as merely a continuation of existing efforts without addressing deeper systemic challenges. Nonetheless, the bill underscores the importance of supporting indigenous languages and cultures within state frameworks.