Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

Hawaii House Bill HR210

Introduced
4/2/26  

Caption

Honoring Earl Kawaa For Dedicating His Life To Preserving Hawaiian Language And Culture, Mentoring Future Generations, And Strengthening Communities Throughout Hawaii.

Summary

H.R. 210 is a House Resolution that formally honors Earl Kawaʻa for his lifelong work preserving and perpetuating Hawaiian language, culture, and traditional practices. The resolution highlights his upbringing in Hālawa Valley on Molokaʻi, his status as one of the few remaining mānaleo (native Hawaiian speakers), and his efforts to pass on ʻike Hawaiʻi through teaching, mentoring, and community-based cultural work. The resolution recounts Kawaʻa’s education and public service, including his work with the Molokaʻi National Guard, support for homesteaders and economic development, service in the domestic Peace Corps, and eighteen years as a cultural specialist with Kamehameha Schools. It also emphasizes his “Board and Stone in Every Home” concept, his workshops in communities across Hawaiʻi, and his ongoing instruction in hoʻoponopono and other traditional practices. The measure is ceremonial in nature and does not create a new program, appropriation, or regulatory change.

Impact

H.R. 210 has no direct legal or fiscal effect on state law. As a simple resolution, it does not amend statutes, create duties for agencies, or alter rights or obligations of any person or entity; instead, it serves as an official expression of the House of Representatives’ recognition and appreciation for Earl Kawaʻa’s cultural and community contributions.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding the resolution is strongly positive and celebratory. The bill text is entirely laudatory, and the available context shows no recorded opposition, committee controversy, or negative vote history. The measure reflects broad respect for Kawaʻa’s role in Hawaiian language revitalization, cultural preservation, and community mentorship.

Contention

There are no notable points of contention in the provided materials. Because the resolution is honorary and nonbinding, it does not appear to raise policy disputes, budget concerns, or legal objections. Any discussion would likely center on the significance of Kawaʻa’s contributions rather than disagreement over the measure itself.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

HI HR120

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.

HI HCR124

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.

HI SB199

Relating To Hawaiian Culture.

HI SB109

Relating To The Hawaiian Language.

HI HB304

Relating To The Hawaiian Language.

HI HR206

Honoring And Commending Herb Lee, Jr., For His Contributions To Education, Cultural Preservation, And Community Development In The State Of Hawaii.

HI SB1051

Relating To Hawaiian History Month.

HI HB1460

Relating To The Hawaiian Language.

HI HB206

Relating To The Hawaiian Language.

HI SB613

Relating To The Hawaiian Language.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.