Hawaii Senate Bill SCR208

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 enacted, the bill would significantly add to existing educational requirements and aims to combat the historical neglect of Hawaiian language education. This initiative emphasizes the importance of embracing diverse linguistic heritage in the school curriculum, thereby reinforcing the state's commitment to cultural revitalization. By institutionalizing Hawaiian language instruction, SCR208 could help strengthen students' connections to their cultural heritage and sense of community, potentially influencing social cohesion and identity among Native Hawaiians and residents alike.

Summary

Senate Concurrent Resolution 208 (SCR208) directs the Department of Education of Hawaii to require all students to complete two years of Hawaiian language instruction in order to graduate from high school. This initiative seeks to enhance the preservation and promotion of olelo Hawaii, the native language of the Hawaiian people, which has faced decline and near extinction in the past century due to historical laws and pressures favoring English language instruction. The resolution acknowledges the critical role of the Hawaiian language in cultural identity and the necessity of increased fluency among the younger generation to ensure its survival and vitality.

Contention

While the provisions of SCR208 are aimed at promoting the Hawaiian language, it may face challenges regarding implementation, including the adequacy of resources and qualified educators in Hawaiian language instruction. There may also be debates surrounding the prioritization of curriculum content, with some advocates stressing the need for broader educational reforms that include various cultural studies. Detractors could argue about the practicality of enforcing such a requirement in an already crowded curriculum, as well as concerns over the balance between language instruction and other academic subjects.