Maui County implements bilingual government recognizing Hawaiian as official language

The Maui County government meeting held on June 19, 2025, focused on the significant transition towards establishing a bilingual government, emphasizing the use of Olelo Hawaii (Hawaiian language) alongside English. The meeting featured presentations from key officials, including Deputy Director Ke Kai Robinson and Director Molly Thao from the Department of OUV Resources, who highlighted the importance of this initiative.

The discussion began with an overview of the historical context surrounding the use of Olelo Hawaii in government settings. Deputy Director Robinson noted that prior to the 1900s, Olelo Hawaii was commonly used in governmental proceedings. However, following the illegal overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaii, the use of the language diminished due to enforced assimilation policies that prioritized foreign languages and cultures.

In 1978, a pivotal amendment to the Hawaii State Constitution recognized both Olelo Hawaii and English as official languages of the state. This legislative change laid the groundwork for the recent developments in Maui County, where voters established the OIVI Resources Department in 2022 to promote the use of Hawaiian language in local governance.

The meeting also addressed Bill 127, which was passed unanimously by the county council earlier in 2024. This bill aims to support the integration of Olelo Hawaii into local government operations, reflecting a commitment to cultural preservation and recognition of the language's significance. The ordinance is set to take effect in September 2025.

Overall, the meeting underscored a momentous step towards embracing Hawaii's cultural heritage and ensuring that Olelo Hawaii is honored and utilized within the county's governmental framework. The officials expressed optimism about the positive impact this transition will have on the community and the importance of acknowledging the historical context that has shaped language use in Hawaii.