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Council adopts resolution urging creation of ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi commission
Summary
The Honolulu City Council unanimously adopted Resolution 25-37 (FD1), urging the state to create an ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language) commission; the Office of Hawaiian Affairs worked with council to incorporate amendments and testified in support.
The Honolulu City Council on a voice vote adopted Resolution 25-37 FD1 urging the State of Hawaiʻi to create an ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi commission to standardize and support use of the Hawaiian language across public institutions.
The resolution, reported out of the committee on Innovation, Technology, and Entertainment and amended to the posted FD1 with language coordinated with the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, passed with no objections. Council members voiced support for establishing a central authority to guide use and translation of Hawaiian in government documents and educational resources.
Council member Tupala said the city still lacks a formal body to guide consistent use of Hawaiian despite a 1978 state constitutional amendment recognizing Hawaiian as an official language alongside English, calling the resolution “a call to action.” She said the commission would move the effort “beyond symbolic recognition” and provide the infrastructure needed for legal documents, government translation and educational resources. "If you want this language to live, we should treat it like it matters," Tupala said.
Resident Deborah King testified in support, saying she is “a big firm believer of education and also honoring the culture and, our ancestors,” and offering “strong support to create this Olelo Hawaii Commission.” Michelle McCoy, representing the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, said OHA appreciated the council’s incorporation of its amendments and “are in full support and OHA stands ready to coordinate with the state and county and perpetuate and promote.”
The FD1 amendment was described on the record as incorporating changes provided by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs; the council noted no objections or reservations before adopting the amendment and the final resolution. The action was recorded as CR 64 and Resolution 25-37 FD1 adopted.
The resolution urges state action; it does not itself create a state commission or allocate city funds. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs and councilmembers said they intend to continue coordination with state lawmakers and other stakeholders at the state level.
