Expressing support for the designation of February 2025 as "Hawaiian Language Month" or "'Ōlelo Hawai'i Month".

This resolution expresses strong support for designating February 2025 as "Hawaiian Language Month" or "'Olelo Hawai`i' Month" . It highlights the historical significance of 'Olelo Hawai`i as the Native language of Hawaiians, which faced near extinction after a 1896 ban on its use in schools. However, a robust grassroots revitalization movement, initiated in the 1960s, has led to its resurgence through immersion programs and educational initiatives. The revitalization efforts inspired significant policy reforms, including the State of Hawai`i recognizing 'Olelo Hawai`i as an official language in 1978 and removing the school ban in 1986. Federal legislation, such as the Native American Languages Act of 1990 and the Native American Language Resource Center Act of 2022, further solidified a commitment to preserving Indigenous languages. These acts have supported initiatives like the establishment of the first National Native American Language Resource Center at the University of Hawai`i at Hilo. Ultimately, the House of Representatives resolves to support the designation of this special month and commits to the ongoing preservation, protection, and promotion of 'Olelo Hawai`i. It urges all people of the United States and interested groups to actively celebrate 'Olelo Hawai`i Month with appropriate programs and activities. This collective effort aims to demonstrate continued support for the language's vitality and cultural importance.