STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1691

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2023

RE: H.R. No. 145

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2023

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Education, to which was referred H.R. No. 145 entitled:

"HOUSE RESOLUTION E HOOKIKINA AKU ANA I KA OIHANA HOONAAUAO I KA APONO ANA I KOMIKE E HOOPUKA ANA I KA HOOLALA E HIKI AI KE KA ANA IA MA KA HOOULU ANA I KE AO OLELO HAWAII I NA HAUMANA A PAU LOA,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to develop a measurable plan to increase Hawaiian language education in every complex

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Hawaii State Teachers Association, 'Aha Kauleo and six individuals.

Your Committee finds that after prohibiting the use of 'Olelo Hawai'i in public schools, the State of Hawaii recognized that error and enacted policies to support the use and teaching of the Hawaiian language, including Hawaii Board of Education Policy 105.7, which provides for the integration of Hawaiian language and culture into the curriculum and educational programs of public schools. Your Committee finds that despite progress made, there is still a need to increase the accessibility of Hawaiian language education in every complex throughout the State. Your Committee finds that this measure will help formulate a plan, and importantly, will make this plan stronger by including teachers, educators, and community members who are passionate about this issue.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Education that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.R. No. 145 and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Education,

____________________________

JUSTIN H. WOODSON, Chair