WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and Brian Schatz (D-HI) and U.S. Representatives Ed Case (D-HI) and Jill Tokuda (D-HI) introduced a resolution celebrating Mahina Olelo Hawaii, also known as Hawaiian Language Month.
“Indigenous languages are an important part of our country’s history and fabric,” said Senator Hirono. “Yet various laws, practices, and prejudices led to many indigenous languages dying, or nearly dying out. Hawaii’s indigenous, Hawaiian language, or Olelo Hawaii, was similarly nearly made extinct by misguided policies banning the language from being taught in schools or used in official governing documents. Through perseverance the Native Hawaiian community protected and revitalized the use of Olelo Hawaii, but the language is still endangered and we must continue working to protect it. I am proud to join my colleagues in reintroducing this resolution to celebrate Mahina Olelo Hawaii, and I will keep advocating for the preservation of Native Hawaiian language and culture. E ola ka olelo Hawaii.”
The resolution commits to preserving, protecting, and promoting the use, practice, and development of the Hawaiian language and urges people across the country to support and celebrate Mahina Olelo Hawaii.
The full text of the resolution is available here.
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