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HRES 136

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

119th Congress Introduced by Ed Case and 5 co-sponsors

Supports designating February 2025 as Hawaiian Language Month to preserve, promote, and celebrate ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi under the Native American Languages Act.

Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
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Bill Summary · HRES 136

Summary of HRES 136 — Expressing support for designation of February 2025 as “Hawaiian Language Month” or “’Ōlelo Hawaiʻi Month”

Overview

HRES 136 is a non-binding House resolution that expresses Congressional support for designating February 2025 as Hawaiian Language Month (also described as “’Ōlelo Hawaiʻi Month”). The measure emphasizes a commitment to preserving, protecting, and promoting the use, practice, and development of the Hawaiian language in alignment with the Native American Languages Act. It also urges the public and interested groups to celebrate the month with appropriate activities and programs.

Purpose and Key Provisions

  • Recognition and designation: Supports the designation of February 2025 as Hawaiian Language Month or ’Ōlelo Hawaiʻi Month.
  • Commitment to language preservation: States a commitment to preserving, protecting, and promoting the use, practice, and development of ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i in alignment with the Native American Languages Act (25 U.S.C. 2901 et seq.).
  • Public celebration and awareness: Urges the American people and interested groups to celebrate Hawaiian Language Month through activities and programs that demonstrate support for ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i.

Who/What Would Be Affected

  • Non-binding policy stance: As a House resolution, it does not create enforceable law or funding. It signals congressional endorsement and encourages civil society, educational institutions, cultural organizations, and government entities to observe and promote Hawaiian language initiatives during February 2025.
  • Cultural and educational emphasis: Aims to raise awareness of ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i and may complement language preservation efforts, curricula, and community programs aligned with the Native American Languages Act.

Procedural History and Timeline

  • Introduced: February 13, 2025.
  • Status: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
  • Companion legislation: SRES 83 in the Senate serves as the companion bill.

Sponsors

  • Primary sponsor: Jill N. Tokuda
  • Cosponsors: Raúl M. Grijalva, Ed Case, Doug LaMalfa, Grace Meng, Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen

Notes on Impact

  • This resolution offers symbolic support and guidance rather than new law or funding.
  • By aligning with the Native American Languages Act, it reinforces federally acknowledged principles of language preservation and could encourage related educational and cultural initiatives.

Related Information

  • Related Bill: SRES 83 (Senate companion)

This summary focuses on the bill’s stated intent, provisions, and potential implications for language preservation and public celebration of Hawaiian language initiatives in February 2025.

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

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