This resolution expresses strong support for designating February 2026 as "Hawaiian Language Month" or 'Olelo Hawai'i Month . It highlights the historical suppression of the Hawaiian language, which was once widely spoken but faced near extinction due to a 1896 ban on its use in schools and subsequent punishment for speaking it. The resolution details the remarkable grassroots revitalization efforts by Native Hawaiians since the 1960s, leading to significant growth in language immersion programs and an increase in fluent speakers. These efforts inspired systemic policy reforms, including the State of Hawai'i recognizing 'Olelo Hawai'i as an official language and the federal Native American Languages Act . The House of Representatives commits to preserving, protecting, and promoting the use and development of 'Olelo Hawai'i, aligning with federal law. It urges the people of the United States to celebrate 'Olelo Hawai'i Month with appropriate activities, despite recent actions that have threatened the vitality of Hawaiian language and educational institutions.
Expressing support for the designation of February 2026 as "Hawaiian Language Month" or "'Olelo Hawai'i Month".
USA119th CongressHRES-1089| House
| Updated: 2/26/2026
This resolution expresses strong support for designating February 2026 as "Hawaiian Language Month" or 'Olelo Hawai'i Month . It highlights the historical suppression of the Hawaiian language, which was once widely spoken but faced near extinction due to a 1896 ban on its use in schools and subsequent punishment for speaking it. The resolution details the remarkable grassroots revitalization efforts by Native Hawaiians since the 1960s, leading to significant growth in language immersion programs and an increase in fluent speakers. These efforts inspired systemic policy reforms, including the State of Hawai'i recognizing 'Olelo Hawai'i as an official language and the federal Native American Languages Act . The House of Representatives commits to preserving, protecting, and promoting the use and development of 'Olelo Hawai'i, aligning with federal law. It urges the people of the United States to celebrate 'Olelo Hawai'i Month with appropriate activities, despite recent actions that have threatened the vitality of Hawaiian language and educational institutions.