RELATING TO THE HAWAIIAN LANGUAGE.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Terez Amato and 10 co-sponsors

House Bill 1460 requires Hawaiian language proficiency for graduation, promoting cultural identity and preserving the language through a new pilot program in schools.

Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.

#pilotprogram #appropriation($) #departmentofeducation #graduationrequirements #hawaiianlanguage

Bill Overview

Bill Number: HB 1460
Introduced On: February 12, 2025
Status: Referred to EDN, FIN
Classification: Bill
Subject: Pilot Program, Appropriation ($), Department of Education, Graduation Requirements, Hawaiian Language

House Bill 1460 aims to enhance the integration and recognition of the Hawaiian language within the educational system of Hawaii. This legislation proposes the establishment of a pilot program that would modify graduation requirements to include proficiency in the Hawaiian language.

Main Purpose and Intent

The primary intent of HB 1460 is to promote the use and preservation of the Hawaiian language among students in the state. By incorporating Hawaiian language proficiency into graduation requirements, the bill seeks to foster cultural identity and heritage among students, encouraging a deeper connection to the state's history and traditions.

Key Provisions

Pilot Program Establishment: The bill proposes the creation of a pilot program within the Department of Education to assess the feasibility of integrating Hawaiian language proficiency into the curriculum.

Graduation Requirements: It mandates that students demonstrate proficiency in the Hawaiian language as part of their graduation criteria.

Funding Appropriation: The bill includes provisions for the appropriation of funds necessary to implement the pilot program, although specific dollar amounts are not detailed in the current version.

Impact

Students: The bill directly affects students in Hawaii by introducing new graduation requirements that emphasize the importance of the Hawaiian language.

Educational Institutions: Schools and educational institutions will need to adapt their curricula and resources to support Hawaiian language instruction.

Cultural Preservation: The legislation aims to contribute to the preservation of Hawaiian culture and language, promoting its use in everyday life and education.

Procedural Aspects

Referral: The bill has been referred to the Education (EDN) and Finance (FIN) committees for further consideration.

Timeline: Following its introduction, the bill will undergo discussions and potential amendments before being voted on in the legislature.

In summary, HB 1460 represents a significant step towards enhancing the role of the Hawaiian language in education, aiming to enrich students' cultural understanding and identity while addressing the need for language preservation in Hawaii.

Bill