Hawaii Senate Bill SR184

Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/8/24
• Refer: 3/14/24

Caption

Requesting The Department Of Education To Require That Each Student Complete Two Years Of Hawaiian Language Instruction As A Graduation Requirement.

Impact

If adopted, SR184 would significantly influence state educational policies by mandating Hawaiian language learning in schools. This requirement would bridge a gap in linguistic heritage and provide students with a deeper cultural connection to Hawaii's Native history. The bill underscores the importance of 'olelo Hawaii' as one of Hawaii's two official languages, further integrating it into the educational fabric of the state and promoting cultural literacy among students.

Summary

Senate Resolution 184 (SR184) proposes that the Department of Education in Hawaii require all students to complete two years of Hawaiian language instruction as a condition for graduation. This initiative stems from historical concerns over the decline of the Hawaiian language, which was near extinction by the 1980s due to restrictive laws favoring English instruction. The aim of SR184 is to bolster the use of 'olelo Hawaii' among younger generations and support the revitalization movement initiated in recent decades.

Contention

Notably, the bill highlights past legislative constraints that led to the suppression of the Hawaiian language in educational institutions. The strong advocacy for the language's resurgence contrasts with the decades-long predominance of English in the state, raising questions about available resources and training for educators. Critics may point out the challenges of implementing such a requirement without sufficient support and infrastructure, indicating potential disparities in educational equity across different schools.