Bill > HCR124

This concurrent resolution encourages the Kawaihuelani Center for Hawaiian Language at the University of Hawaii at Manoa to expand its efforts to support Hawaiian language preservation and education. The resolution provides historical context about the suppression of the Hawaiian language (?Olelo Hawai?i) in schools, noting that English was mandated as the primary language of instruction in 1896, which led to significant cultural harm and language loss. It highlights the recent revitalization efforts, including the establishment of Hawaiian language immersion schools (Kula Kaiapuni) and preschools (Punana Leo), and specifically supports the center's I Hoa na Moolelo Project, which publishes a quarterly children's magazine in Hawaiian for students in grades 2-6. The resolution calls on the Kawaihuelani Center to continue creating language and literacy resources that will help Hawaiian language flourish in homes and communities, and requests that an official copy of the resolution be sent to the center's director. This action aligns with the Hawaii State Constitution's recognition of Hawaiian as an official state language and demonstrates ongoing efforts to preserve and promote Hawaiian cultural heritage.

Education, Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HCR&billnumber=124&year=2025