WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HR 120

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.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Andrew Garrett and 8 co-sponsors

Hawaii legislature encourages UH Manoa's Hawaiian language center to expand cultural and language learning resources without providing funding or binding requirements.

Reported from JHA (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1863), recommending adoption.
#ihoanamoolelo #kawaihuelanicenterforhawaiianlanguage #universityofhawaii
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 120

Legislative bill overview

HR 120 is a resolution encouraging the Kawaihuelani Center for Hawaiian Language at the University of Hawaii at Manoa to expand its educational resources and programs promoting Hawaiian language and culture. The resolution passed unanimously in the Hawaii House of Representatives in April 2025. It serves as a formal expression of legislative support rather than a binding mandate with funding or enforcement mechanisms.

Why is this important

Hawaiian language nearly disappeared during the 20th century due to historical suppression policies, and this resolution supports ongoing revitalization efforts that have become increasingly important for cultural preservation and Native Hawaiian communities. The Kawaihuelani Center is a primary institutional resource for Hawaiian language education, serving students, educators, and community members statewide. Legislative encouragement can help justify institutional priorities and resource allocation for language programs.

Potential points of contention

  • No binding commitment or funding: The resolution is non-binding encouragement rather than appropriating funds or creating requirements, so its practical impact depends entirely on voluntary institutional action
  • "Further provide" language is vague: The resolution doesn't specify which resources, what level of expansion, or measurable outcomes expected, leaving implementation undefined
  • Resource constraints not addressed: The resolution encourages expansion without acknowledging or proposing solutions for budget limitations that may constrain the Center's actual capacity to expand programming

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

Sign in to ask a question.