Expressing support for the designation of September 2025 as "Hawaiian History Month" to recognize the history, culture and contributions of Native Hawaiians and reaffirm the United States Federal trust responsibility to the Native Hawaiian community to support their well-being.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 787
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Arts, Culture, Religion
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-10-03: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- Last Updated
- 2025-12-05T22:57:50Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This House Resolution (H. Res. 787) expresses support for designating September 2025 as "Hawaiian History Month." Its main goal is to honor the history, culture, and contributions of Native Hawaiians—the indigenous people of Hawaii—while reaffirming the U.S. federal government's trust responsibility to support their well-being. The resolution highlights Native Hawaiian achievements, historical challenges, and the need for ongoing reconciliation.
Key Provisions
- Historical Context: The resolution includes detailed "Whereas" clauses outlining Native Hawaiian history, such as their pre-colonial self-sufficiency, high literacy rates in the 19th century, the unlawful overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaii in 1893, and population decline due to disease and cultural loss after Western contact.
- Notable Figures and Contributions: It recognizes key individuals like King David Kalakaua, Queen Lili'uokalani, Bernice Pauahi Bishop, Duke Kahanamoku, and others for their roles in preserving culture, advancing education, and contributing to U.S. society, including in government and the military (e.g., Medal of Honor recipients).
- Federal and State Recognition: It notes past U.S. laws, like Public Law 103-150 (the 1993 Apology Resolution acknowledging the overthrow), and hundreds of statutes supporting Native Hawaiian health, education, housing, and culture. It also mentions Hawaii's state law designating September as Hawaiian History Month.
- Current Demographics and Importance: Emphasizes that over 650,000 Native Hawaiians live worldwide, with federal protections for ancestral lands, and stresses the role of cultural revitalization in community identity.
- Resolved Clause: The House supports the designation to:
- Honor Native Hawaiian history, culture, and global contributions.
- Recognize the 1993 Apology Resolution and reconciliation efforts through consultation (a process of discussing issues with affected communities).
- Commend efforts to revive Native Hawaiian language, culture, and traditions.
- Encourage federal agencies, schools, and community groups to hold programs, ceremonies, and educational activities during the month.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution, so it introduces no changes to existing laws. It builds on prior recognitions like Public Law 103-150 but does not amend statutes or create new legal obligations.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: May prompt federal entities (e.g., Department of Education or Interior) to participate in awareness activities, potentially increasing funding or programs for Native Hawaiian cultural preservation, though not required.
- On Citizens: Raises public awareness of Native Hawaiian history among the general U.S. population, fostering education and cultural appreciation, especially in states with large Native Hawaiian communities like Hawaii and California.
- On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, but it could subtly strengthen U.S. commitments to indigenous rights globally by highlighting historical reconciliation.
- Overall, the effects are symbolic and educational, promoting voluntary observance rather than enforceable actions.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Native Hawaiians: Primary beneficiaries, as the resolution celebrates their heritage and supports cultural revitalization efforts.
- U.S. Federal Government: Including Congress and agencies involved in Native Hawaiian programs (e.g., health and education departments), reaffirming trust responsibilities.
- State of Hawaii: Aligns with existing state initiatives and may encourage further local observances.
- Educational Institutions and Civil Society: Schools, museums, and community organizations encouraged to host events, benefiting broader public engagement.
- Military and Veterans' Groups: Highlights Native Hawaiian service members, potentially aiding recognition of their contributions.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Reinforces the special political and trust relationship between the U.S. and Native Hawaiians, rooted in federal statutes, without creating new rights or liabilities. It references the 1993 Apology Resolution, which acknowledged the overthrow but stopped short of reparations.
- Constitutional: Aligns with the U.S. Constitution's framework for federal-tribal relations (similar to those with Native American tribes), emphasizing self-determination and sovereignty for indigenous groups, though Native Hawaiians are not formally a "tribe" under federal Indian law.
- Political: Promotes reconciliation and cultural equity in a politically diverse Congress, potentially influencing future legislation on indigenous issues. As a bipartisan resolution (introduced by Representatives Tokuda and Case), it signals broad support for Native Hawaiian priorities without controversy.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2025-10-03: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- 2025-10-03: Submitted in House
- 2025-10-03: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Expressing support for the designation of September 2025 as "Hawaiian History Month" to recognize the history, culture and contributions of Native Hawaiians and reaffirm the United States Federal trust responsibility to the Native Hawaiian community to support their well-being. — issued 2025-10-03 — PDF (5 pages)