Bill > HRes1089

This resolution expresses support for designating February 2026 as "Hawaiian Language Month" or "'Olelo Hawai'i Month," acknowledging that 'Olelo Hawai'i is the indigenous language of Native Hawaiians, who historically founded the Kingdom of Hawai'i. The resolution highlights the suppression of the language, including a ban on its use in schools in 1896, which nearly led to its extinction by the 1980s, with fewer than 50 fluent young speakers remaining. It then details the successful grassroots revitalization efforts since the 1960s, including immersion schools and university programs, which led to the language being recognized as an official language of Hawai'i in 1978 and the removal of the teaching ban in 1986. The resolution also references the federal Native American Languages Act of 1990, which aims to preserve and promote Native American languages, and a 2023 act that reconfirmed federal commitment to revitalizing indigenous languages. Despite significant progress, including over 20,000 speakers and increased immersion education, the resolution notes actions by a previous administration that threatened Hawaiian language and educational institutions. Ultimately, the resolution supports the designation of Hawaiian Language Month, commits to preserving and promoting the language in line with federal policy, and encourages the public to celebrate it with appropriate activities.

Education

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-resolution/1089/all-info