Expressing support for the designation of February 2025 as "Hawaiian Language Month" or "'Ōlelo Hawai'i Month".

Bill Number: H.Res. 136
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 1
Policy Area: Native Americans
Status: Introduced
Latest Action: 2025-02-13: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
Last Updated: 2026-04-03T14:28:27Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This House Resolution (H. Res. 136) expresses the U.S. House of Representatives' support for designating February 2025 as "Hawaiian Language Month" or "Olelo Hawaii Month" (where "Olelo Hawaii" means the Hawaiian language). It aims to recognize the historical and cultural importance of the Hawaiian language and encourage its preservation and promotion.

Key Provisions

Historical Context: The resolution outlines the Hawaiian language's origins as the native tongue of Native Hawaiians, who settled the islands around 300 A.D. and established the Kingdom of Hawai`i. It notes the language's widespread use before the 1893 overthrow of the kingdom, followed by a 1896 ban on its use in schools that nearly led to its extinction by the 1980s (with fewer than 50 fluent young speakers remaining).
Revitalization Efforts: It highlights grassroots initiatives since the 1960s, including Hawaiian-language immersion preschools (Aha Punana Leo), state Department of Education programs, and University of Hawaii offerings. It also references policy reforms like Hawaii's 1978 constitutional recognition of the language, the 1986 lifting of the school ban, the 1990 Native American Languages Act (which promotes Native language rights), and Hawaii's annual February designation.
Recent Federal Support: It mentions the 2022 Native American Language Resource Center Act (effective 2023), which funded a grant to the University of Hawai`i at Hilo for the first National Native American Language Resource Center.
Resolution Actions:
Supports the February 2025 designation.
Commits the House to preserving, protecting, and promoting the Hawaiian language in line with the Native American Languages Act.
Urges Americans and groups to celebrate the month with activities and programs showing support for the language.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This is a non-binding resolution, so it introduces no changes to existing laws. It reaffirms support for prior federal and state policies, such as the Native American Languages Act, without enacting new mandates or amendments.

Potential Impacts

On Citizens: Could increase public awareness and participation in Hawaiian language events, fostering cultural pride among Native Hawaiians and broader appreciation for indigenous languages. It may encourage educational programs, potentially benefiting language learners and communities.
On Government Agencies: Minimal direct impact, as it's symbolic; however, it aligns with Department of Education efforts (e.g., the recent grant to the University of Hawai`i) and could influence future funding or policy priorities for Native language preservation.
On International Relations: Negligible, though it underscores U.S. commitment to indigenous rights, which may resonate in global discussions on cultural heritage (e.g., with Pacific Island nations).
Overall, the impact is primarily cultural and educational, promoting voluntary engagement rather than enforceable requirements.

Main Stakeholders Affected

Native Hawaiians: Primary beneficiaries, as the resolution supports revitalization of their ancestral language and cultural identity.
Educators and Institutions: Includes Hawaiian immersion schools, the Hawaii State Department of Education, Aha Punana Leo, and the University of Hawai`i system, which could see boosted recognition and resources.
Advocacy Groups: Organizations focused on indigenous languages, benefiting from encouraged public programs.
Federal and State Governments: The U.S. House of Representatives, Department of Education, and State of Hawai`i, through symbolic alignment with existing policies.
General Public: Invited to participate in celebrations, potentially broadening cultural exposure.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal: Reinforces the Native American Languages Act's policy of protecting Native language rights without creating new legal obligations. As a resolution, it has no force of law but serves as an official congressional statement.
Constitutional: Aligns with U.S. constitutional principles of free speech and cultural expression; it echoes broader indigenous rights under treaties and federal policies, without raising separation-of-powers issues.
Political: Represents bipartisan support (introduced by representatives from Hawai`i and elsewhere) for Native Hawaiian issues, signaling congressional endorsement of cultural preservation amid ongoing debates on indigenous sovereignty and historical injustices (e.g., the 1893 overthrow). It may encourage similar recognitions for other Native languages.

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 (5)

Rep. Case, Ed [D-HI-1], Del. Radewagen, Aumua Amata Coleman [R-AS-At Large], Rep. Grijalva, Raúl M. [D-AZ-7], Rep. LaMalfa, Doug [R-CA-1], Rep. Meng, Grace [D-NY-6]

Recent Actions

2025-02-13: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
2025-02-13: Submitted in House

Bill Versions

Expressing support for the designation of February 2025 as "Hawaiian Language Month" or ""Ōlelo Hawai‘i" Month". — issued 2025-02-13 — PDF (3 pages)