KANEOHE (KHON2) — State lawmakers are trying to pass bills that would require Hawaii’s public high schools to have Hawaiian language classes as a graduation requirement.
One of the bills was introduced by Rep. Diamond Garcia — a Republican who represents Ewa, Kapolei and Varona Village.
“This requires all students who will receive a high school diploma here in Hawaii to go through two full years of Hawaiian language classes as a requirement for graduation,” Rep. Garcia said.
Rep. Garcia said those two years would preferably be for 11th and 12th grade — the other bill is from Rep. Darius Kila — a Democrat who represents Honokai Hale, Nanakuli and Maili — but it would be a two credit requirement.
“I think the two credits is good because it’s fluctuating, right? It allows also for even people who are already fluent speakers to have the opportunity to add more credits into their education,” Rep. Kila said.
February is Hawaiian Language Month in Hawaii and that was celebrated at Windward Mall on Saturday, Feb. 3 in partnership with Hawaiian immersion school Kulaniakea. Their executive director said a public school requirement is an exciting idea but there will be obstacles.