Expressing support for the designation of February 2026 as "Hawaiian Language Month" or "'Olelo Hawai'i Month".

Bill Number

H.Res. 1089

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 2

Policy Area

Native Americans

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2026-02-26: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.

Last Updated

2026-03-09T18:27:46Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This House Resolution (H. Res. 1089) expresses congressional support for designating February 2026 as "Hawaiian Language Month" or "Olelo Hawaii Month" to celebrate and promote the Hawaiian language, recognizing its cultural and historical significance to Native Hawaiians.

Key Provisions

• Historical Background: Outlines the origins of the Hawaiian language as the native tongue of Indigenous Hawaiians who settled the islands around 300 A.D. and established the Kingdom of Hawai`i; notes its widespread use and high literacy rates before the 1893 overthrow of the kingdom.
• Suppression and Revival: Describes the 1896 ban on Hawaiian language instruction and use in schools by the Republic of Hawaii, which led to near-extinction by the 1980s (fewer than 50 fluent young speakers); highlights grassroots revitalization efforts since the 1960s, including university programs, immersion preschools by Aha Punana Leo, state education initiatives, and teacher training.
• Policy Milestones: References state recognitions (e.g., official language status in 1978, lifting the school ban in 1986, and designating February as Olelo Hawaii Month); federal actions like the 1990 Native American Languages Act (which supports preserving Native languages) and the 2022 Native American Language Resource Center Act (establishing a grant for the University of Hawai`i at Hilo to aid language revitalization).
• Achievements and Challenges: Notes successes such as over 20,000 speakers today, 60% growth in immersion education enrollment over the past decade, and expansion of immersion schools from 14 to 26 campuses by 2026; criticizes recent federal actions under the second Trump administration, including funding cuts to minority-serving institutions ($83 million loss for University of Hawai`i programs), proposed program transfers, discontinuation of a White House initiative on Native Hawaiians, and support for legal challenges to Native Hawaiian educational programs.
• Resolution Actions:
• Supports the February 2026 designation.
• Commits Congress to preserving and promoting the Hawaiian language in line with the Native American Languages Act.
• Urges the public and groups to hold events and programs during the month to show support.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This is a non-binding resolution, so it introduces no legal changes or new statutes. It reaffirms existing federal policies (e.g., the Native American Languages Act) without altering them.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: May encourage the Department of Education and other federal entities to maintain funding and support for Native Hawaiian language programs, countering recent cuts; could influence future appropriations for immersion education and resource centers.
• On Citizens: Promotes cultural awareness and language use among Native Hawaiians and the broader U.S. public, potentially boosting enrollment in Hawaiian language programs and community events; supports educational equity for Indigenous students.
• On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though it underscores U.S. commitment to Indigenous language preservation, which could align with global efforts on cultural heritage (e.g., UN declarations on Indigenous rights).

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Native Hawaiians: Primary beneficiaries through cultural preservation and education support.
• Educational Institutions: University of Hawaii system, Aha Punana Leo, state immersion schools, and the new National Native American Language Resource Center.
• State of Hawai`i: Government and educators involved in language policy and programs.
• Federal Agencies: Department of Education (administers relevant grants and programs) and Department of the Interior (potential program transfers mentioned).
• Community Groups and Non-Profits: Organizations focused on Indigenous language revitalization.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Reinforces the federal trust responsibility to Native Hawaiians under statutes like the Native American Languages Act, without creating enforceable rights; highlights tensions with ongoing litigation against programs like Kamehameha Schools' admissions (which prioritize Native Hawaiian students to address historical injustices).
• Constitutional: Aligns with First Amendment protections for language use and free expression; supports equal protection by addressing past discrimination against Indigenous languages, akin to efforts for other Native American groups.
• Political: Serves as a bipartisan signal (introduced by Democrats but referencing bipartisan laws) of support for diversity, equity, and inclusion in education; critiques specific administration policies, potentially influencing congressional debates on funding and Indigenous rights amid broader rollbacks on affirmative action.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Tokuda, Jill N. [D-HI-2]

Cosponsors (3)

Rep. Case, Ed [D-HI-1], Rep. Moore, Gwen [D-WI-4], Rep. Meng, Grace [D-NY-6]

Recent Actions

• 2026-02-26: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
• 2026-02-26: Submitted in House
• 2026-02-26: Submitted in House

Bill Versions

• Expressing support for the designation of February 2026 as "Hawaiian Language Month" or "‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i Month". — issued 2026-02-26 — PDF (5 pages)

Related Bills

• H.Res. 136 (119th Congress)