Bill > HRes136

This resolution supports the designation of February 2025 as "Hawaiian Language Month" or "'Olelo Hawai'i Month", acknowledging the historical significance and near-extinction of the Hawaiian language. The resolution highlights how the Hawaiian language, the native language of Native Hawaiians who settled the Hawaiian archipelago as early as 300 A.D., was nearly eliminated after a 1896 law banned school instruction in the language, leaving fewer than 50 fluent young speakers by the 1980s. It recognizes the grassroots revitalization efforts by Native Hawaiians, including language immersion preschools, state educational programs, and university language initiatives, which led to significant policy reforms such as Hawaii recognizing 'Olelo Hawai'i as an official language in 1978 and removing the teaching ban in 1986. The House of Representatives commits to preserving and promoting the Hawaiian language, aligning with the Native American Languages Act, and urges Americans and interested groups to celebrate the month with appropriate activities that demonstrate support for 'Olelo Hawai'i, while also noting the recent establishment of the first National Native American Language Resource Center at the University of Hawaii at Hilo.

Education

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-resolution/136/all-info