House Resolution Backs February 2025 as 'Ōlelo Hawai'i Month: A Push to Protect the Hawaiian Language

This resolution formally recognizes February 2025 as Hawaiian Language Month, or 'Ōlelo Hawai'i Month, signaling a federal commitment to the preservation and promotion of the native language of the Hawaiian archipelago. By documenting the language’s history—from its 300 A.D. origins to its near-extinction following an 1896 ban on school instruction—the bill establishes a clear intent to support the ongoing grassroots revival. It specifically aligns with the Native American Languages Act, urging the House of Representatives to protect the language and encouraging the public to engage in cultural programs that keep the dialect thriving in modern classrooms and communities.

From Near-Extinction to the Classroom

The bill details a significant historical arc, noting that by the 1980s, fewer than 50 fluent speakers under the age of 18 remained due to decades of restrictive policies. To address this, the resolution highlights the success of immersion programs like Aha Pūnana Leo and the University of Hawaii system. For a student today, this means continued federal recognition of their curriculum; for a teacher, it reinforces the legitimacy of Hawaiian-medium education. The text explicitly references the 2022 National Native American Language Resource Center Act, which recently funded a five-year grant for a new resource center at UH Hilo, turning these historical acknowledgments into funded, academic reality (Section 1).

Why a Designated Month Matters

While a month on a calendar might seem symbolic, the resolution uses this designation to urge nationwide participation in activities that demonstrate support for the language. This isn't just about a history lesson; it's about normalizing 'Ōlelo Hawai'i in everyday life—from government proceedings to local business signage. By citing the 1978 state constitutional change that made Hawaiian an official language, the bill connects federal sentiment to local law, ensuring that the push for literacy (which was once among the highest in the world under the Kingdom of Hawaii) remains a priority for future policy and funding decisions.