RELATING TO THE HAWAIIAN LANGUAGE.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Kurt Fevella and 2 co-sponsors

Senate Bill 613 requires Hawaiian language courses for high school graduation, promoting cultural pride and preserving the language within Hawaii's education system.

Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.

#appropriations($) #doe #graduationrequirement #hawaiianlanguage #pilotprogram

Purpose and Intent

Senate Bill 613 (SB 613) aims to enhance the status and integration of the Hawaiian language within the education system of Hawaii. The bill seeks to establish a pilot program that would introduce Hawaiian language as a graduation requirement for students in the Department of Education (DOE). This initiative is part of a broader effort to promote and preserve the Hawaiian language and culture.

Key Provisions

Pilot Program Establishment: The bill proposes the creation of a pilot program within the DOE to implement Hawaiian language instruction as a mandatory graduation requirement for high school students.

Funding Appropriations: SB 613 includes provisions for appropriating funds necessary to support the pilot program. Specific dollar amounts for funding will be determined during the legislative process.

Curriculum Development: The bill emphasizes the development of a comprehensive curriculum that incorporates Hawaiian language instruction, ensuring that students receive quality education in the language.

Evaluation and Reporting: The bill mandates the DOE to evaluate the effectiveness of the pilot program and report findings to the legislature, allowing for adjustments and improvements based on feedback and outcomes.

Affected Parties

Students: High school students in Hawaii would be directly impacted as they would be required to complete Hawaiian language courses to meet graduation requirements.

Educators: Teachers and educational staff would need to adapt to the new curriculum and potentially undergo training to effectively teach Hawaiian language.

Hawaiian Community: The bill aims to benefit the Hawaiian community by promoting the use of the Hawaiian language and fostering cultural pride among students.

Procedural Aspects

Introduced: SB 613 was introduced on April 2, 2025.

Legislative Status: The bill has been referred to the Education (EDU), Hawaiian Affairs (HWN), and Ways and Means (WAM) committees for further consideration.

Timeline: The legislative process will include discussions, potential amendments, and voting within the committees before it can be passed into law.

Conclusion

Senate Bill 613 represents a significant step towards revitalizing the Hawaiian language within the educational framework of Hawaii. By establishing a pilot program that mandates Hawaiian language instruction, the bill aims to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of Hawaiian culture among students, while also addressing the need for language preservation in the state.

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