HONOLULU (KHON2) — A new bill has been proposed that will require students to take two years of Hawaiian language as a requirement for high school graduation.
Kapolei, Hoopili and Ewa Villages Representative Diamond Garcia introduced HB 2540, which will require all public high schools in the State to “require students to complete and pass two full years of Hawaiian language courses” in order to graduate.
“Per the Hawaii State Constitution, ‘Olelo Hawaii is one of two official languages in Hawaii,” Garcia said. “If Hawaiian is an official language, then it must be a requirement of learning in Hawaii public schools.”
The passing of the bill would help efforts to preserve Hawaiian language and culture.
“Language serves as the key to unlock the doors of our heritage, and by making Olelo Hawaii a central part of our education system, we are steadfastly committed to restoring it as a common, everyday language that echoes in the hearts and conversations of every corner of Hawaii,” Garcia explained.