Hawaii Senate Bill SB392

Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/20/23
• Refer: 1/25/23

Caption

Relating To Support For Traditional Native Speakers Of Hawaiian.

Impact

This proposed legislation significantly impacts Hawaii's education system by mandating public charter schools to accommodate Hawaiian speakers. It directs the Department of Education to incorporate the Hawaiian language into their curricula by allowing Hawaiian language to be offered as the sole indigenous language. Moreover, the bill requires the development of materials that respect the unique linguistic traits of the Niihau community and others who have preserved the language over generations. The appropriation of funding facilitates the necessary studies and resources to further this cause, thereby aiming to revitalize Hawaiian language usage in public domains.

Summary

SB392 aims to support traditional native speakers of the Hawaiian language, recognizing it as the sole indigenous language of the Hawaiian Islands. The bill addresses the historical decline of Hawaiian language speakers, which was exacerbated by the governmental policies of the 20th century that marginalized the language. It provides for the establishment of educational programs that allow the Hawaiian language to be taught as part of the statewide curriculum, aiming to enhance accessibility for existing native speakers and to encourage new speakers to learn the language. The bill emphasizes the importance of adapting educational content to benefit those who have maintained a continuous linguistic lineage.

Contention

Despite the positive intentions of SB392, there may be concerns regarding the practical implications of implementing the changes proposed by the bill. Critics might argue that focusing heavily on Hawaiian language instruction could divert resources from other essential subjects within the educational framework. Additionally, there may be a debate over the balance between accommodating native and new speakers, particularly in terms of language fidelity and the potential for 'dilution' of indigenous linguistic practices due to modern interpretations of the language. Therefore, discussions surrounding the bill are likely to engage stakeholders from various sectors, including educators, linguists, and community leaders.