Encouraging The Kawaihuelani Center For Hawaiian Language Of The University Of Hawaii At Manoa To Further Provide Learning Resources And Opportunities That Promote Hawaiian Language And Culture.
Summary
H.R. 120 is a House Resolution that encourages the Kawaihuelani Center for Hawaiian Language at the University of Hawaii at Manoa to continue and expand its efforts to support Hawaiian language revitalization. The resolution highlights the historical suppression of ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, the growth of Hawaiian language immersion education, and the ongoing need for resources that help students and families use the language at home and in their communities. It specifically points to the Center’s I Hoa na Moolelo Project, a quarterly children’s magazine in Hawaiian, as an example of the kind of educational support the resolution seeks to promote.
The resolution does not create a new program, mandate funding, or amend any statute. Instead, it expresses the Legislature’s support for Hawaiian language and culture and formally urges the Kawaihuelani Center to provide more learning materials, literacy resources, and opportunities for Kaiapuni students and families. It also directs that a certified copy of the resolution be sent to the Director of the Kawaihuelani Center.
Impact
Because this is a resolution rather than a bill, it has no direct legal effect on state law and does not change any existing statutes or regulatory requirements. Its practical impact is symbolic and advisory: it recognizes the importance of Hawaiian language preservation, reinforces support for immersion education, and may help encourage continued educational outreach and resource development by the University of Hawaii and related language programs.
Sentiment
The overall sentiment around the resolution is strongly supportive and affirmative. The text frames Hawaiian language revitalization as culturally important and historically significant, and it presents the Kawaihuelani Center’s work as a positive response to longstanding educational and cultural loss. No votes or committee transcripts were provided, but the resolution’s language indicates broad appreciation for Hawaiian language immersion efforts and for resources that help families use ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi outside the classroom.
Contention
No explicit opposition or controversy appears in the provided materials. The resolution is largely celebratory and supportive, focusing on preservation, education, and cultural continuity. The only implied policy concern is the ongoing challenge faced by Kaiapuni schools—such as teacher shortages, limited facilities, and insufficient curriculum support—but the resolution does not propose a contested remedy or allocate resources, so there is no clear point of legislative contention in the record provided.
Same As
Encouraging The Kawaihuelani Center For Hawaiian Language Of The University Of Hawaii At Manoa To Further Provide Learning Resources And Opportunities That Promote Hawaiian Language And Culture.
Recognizing Hawaiian Council For 25 Years Of Dedicated Service, Impactful Leadership, And Steadfast Advocacy On Behalf Of The Native Hawaiian Community.
Requesting The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs To Establish And Provide Legislative Engagement Forums To Educate And Empower The Native Hawaiian Community Regarding The Legislative Process.
Requesting The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs To Establish And Provide Legislative Engagement Forums To Educate And Empower The Native Hawaiian Community Regarding The Legislative Process.