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SRES 83

A resolution designating February 2025 as "Hawaiian Language Month" or "'Olelo Hawai'i Month".

119th Congress Introduced by Mazie Hirono and 1 co-sponsor

Designates February 2025 as Hawaiian Language Month to honor and promote ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, align with the Native American Languages Act, and urge nationwide observances.

Introduced in Senate
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Bill Summary · SRES 83

Summary of SRES 83 — A resolution designating February 2025 as “Hawaiian Language Month” or “’Ōlelo Hawai‘i Month”

What the bill is

SRES 83 is a Senate resolution introduced on February 19, 2025. It designates February 2025 as Hawaiian Language Month (also called ’Ōlelo Hawai‘i Month), expresses a commitment to the preservation, protection, and promotion of the Hawaiian language in line with the Native American Languages Act, and urges celebration and activities to support the language.

Purpose and intent

  • Create a formal, symbolic recognition of the Hawaiian language and its cultural value.
  • Align the designation with the goals of the Native American Languages Act to preserve, protect, and promote the use and development of Native languages, specifically citing 25 U.S.C. 2901 et seq.
  • Encourage federal, state, and private groups to observe and participate in activities that demonstrate support for ’Ōlelo Hawai‘i during the designated month.

Key provisions

  1. Designation: February 2025 is designated as Hawaiian Language Month or ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i Month.
  2. Commitment: The Senate commits to preserving, protecting, and promoting the use, practice, and development of ’Ōlelo Hawai‘i in alignment with the Native American Languages Act.
  3. Encouragement to celebrate: The Senate urges the people of the United States and interested groups to observe the month with appropriate activities and programs that show support for ’Ōlelo Hawai‘i.

Legislative actions and status

  • Introduced in the Senate on February 19, 2025.
  • Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary (CR S1042).
  • Status: Introduction and referral; no further actions listed in the provided information.

Sponsors

  • Primary sponsor: Sen. Brian Schatz
  • Cosponsor: Sen. Mazie K. Hirono

Related measures

  • House companion: HRES 136 (companion measure in the House of Representatives)

Who would be affected

  • Broad: The designation primarily affects public awareness and cultural promotion efforts. It calls on federal agencies, educational institutions, cultural organizations, and the public to participate in observances.
  • No new funding or mandatory programs are specified in the text; the resolution expresses encouragement and a policy alignment rather than creating new legal obligations.

Potential impact

  • Increased visibility and recognition for the Hawaiian language and language revitalization efforts.
  • Potential encouragement for language programs, cultural events, and educational initiatives during February 2025.
  • Strengthens alignment between federal policy on Native language preservation and the promotion of ’Ōlelo Hawai‘i.

Notes

  • As a resolution, the measure is largely symbolic and does not by itself create enforceable obligations or funding, but it signals Congress’s support and could influence future related activities or allocations.
  • The designation is specific to February 2025 in this text; future iterations could designate other years or months.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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