# What This Resolution Does

This is a symbolic resolution that officially recognizes February 2024 as "Hawaiian Language Month" (also called "'Ōlelo Hawai'i Month"). Think of it like a formal declaration of support rather than a law that changes rules or provides funding. The House of Representatives is saying, "We support celebrating and promoting the Hawaiian language."

The resolution acknowledges an important historical reality: the Hawaiian language nearly disappeared. When Hawaii was taken over in 1893, the new government actually banned teaching Hawaiian in schools in 1896. By the 1980s, fewer than 50 children under 18 could speak it fluently—the language was on the verge of extinction. Over the past few decades, Native Hawaiians have worked hard to bring the language back through immersion preschools, school programs, and university courses, and it's been making a comeback.

By passing this resolution, Congress is basically saying it supports these revival efforts and wants to encourage more people to learn and use Hawaiian. The resolution also commits the federal government to helping preserve the language, which aligns with a 1990 law that protects Native American languages generally. Additionally, it mentions that the University of Hawai'i at Hilo recently received a five-year federal grant to create the first National Native American Language Resource Center, showing there's real federal backing for this work.

In practical terms, this resolution doesn't create new programs or give out money—it's more about official recognition and moral support. However, it signals that the federal government takes Hawaiian language preservation seriously and encourages communities, schools, and organizations to hold events and activities during February to celebrate and promote the language.

Supporting the designation of February 2024 as "Hawaiian Language Month" or "'Olelo Hawai'i Month".

Tokuda, Jill N.

<html><body bgcolor="#FFFFFF"><p>This resolution supports the designation of Hawaiian Language Month or 'Ōlelo Hawai'i Month.</p></body></html>