hold on there's just too much going on in Congress lmao...
Designates February 2026 as 'Hawaiian Language Month' to promote language revitalization.
Senators Schatz (D-HI) and Hirono (D-HI) introduced the resolution in the Senate.
Introduced in Senate, sent to committee.
This resolution aims to officially recognize February 2026 as Hawaiian Language Month, or 'Olelo Hawai'i Month. It was introduced by Senator Brian Schatz, a Democrat from Hawaii, and Senator Mazie Hirono, also a Democrat from Hawaii. As an introduced resolution, it has been referred to a committee for review before it can be considered by the full Senate.
Introduced Mar 2, 2026
This resolution is currently in the 'Introduced' stage. It was referred to the Senate Committee on the Judiciary for consideration. For it to advance, the committee must review it and vote to send it to the full Senate. If approved by the Senate, it would be adopted and represent the Senate's official stance, but it would not become a 'law' in the same way a bill does.
If this resolution passes, February 2026 would be officially recognized by the Senate as Hawaiian Language Month. This could lead to more public events, educational programs, and media attention focused on the 'Olelo Hawai'i, increasing general awareness of its history and importance. The designation aims to reinforce existing efforts to preserve, protect, and promote the use of the Hawaiian language, aligning with federal policy on Native American languages.
Supporters Say
Supporters argue this designation recognizes the historical importance and ongoing revitalization of the Hawaiian language after past suppression.
Critics Say
The bill text does not indicate any critics or arguments against designating February 2026 as Hawaiian Language Month.
Proponents highlight the language's near extinction due to historical bans and the successful grassroots efforts by Native Hawaiians to revive it. They point to state and federal actions, like the Native American Languages Act, that support such revitalization. The resolution aims to further support these efforts and recognize the special relationship with the Native Hawaiian community. No opposition to this commemorative resolution is mentioned in the bill text.