Relating To The Hawaiian Language.
If enacted, the bill will amend Chapter 302A of the Hawaii Revised Statutes by requiring that students in Hawaii's public schools complete two credits in Hawaiian language as a prerequisite for graduating high school. This new mandate is designed to bolster the number of fluent speakers and encourage greater use of the language, aligning with statewide efforts to support cultural heritage through education. The effective implementation will begin with high school diplomas awarded at the end of the 2027-2028 school year, indicating a long-term commitment to integrating Hawaiian language instruction into the public education system.
House Bill 1794 emphasizes the importance of the Hawaiian language (olelo Hawaii) and aims to ensure its survival by mandating Hawaiian language instruction as part of the state’s educational curriculum. Recognizing the historical context and the near extinction of the Hawaiian language in the late 20th century, the bill seeks to reinforce the use and teaching of olelo Hawaii in public schools. The introduction of this bill comes in light of previous efforts aimed at revitalizing the language through various educational programs and historical proclamations acknowledging its significance.
While the bill highlights the necessity of preserving the Hawaiian language, it may face challenges and points of contention regarding resource allocation, curriculum standards, and teacher training to effectively deliver this new requirement. There may be concerns about the availability of qualified instructors who can teach Hawaiian, as well as debates surrounding the curriculum's design to meet diverse learning needs. Additionally, establishing a standardized approach to implementing this language requirement across various public schools could lead to discussions among educators, parents, and policymakers about the balance between cultural education and other academic priorities.