Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

Hawaii House Bill HR69

Introduced
3/12/26  

Caption

Encouraging The Hawaii State Department Of Education To Work With The Office Of Hawaiian Education To Create And Convene A Working Group To Establish A K-12 Hawaiian Immersion Campus In West Oahu.

Impact

The establishment of a Hawaiian Immersion Campus is anticipated to have a considerable impact on state education laws and policies, particularly those regarding native language instruction. It will help consolidate resources for Hawaiian language education and offer a structured environment that aligns with the constitutional mandate to provide Hawaiian education. This movement is not only about meeting an educational need but also about reinforcing identity and cultural heritage among Native Hawaiian students.

Summary

House Resolution 69 (HR69) encourages the Hawaiʻi State Department of Education to collaborate with the Office of Hawaiian Education to create a working group aimed at establishing a K-12 Hawaiian Immersion Campus in West Oʻahu. This initiative seeks to address the growing demand for Hawaiian language education while fulfilling the state's constitutional duty to promote the study of Hawaiian culture, history, and language. The proposed campus will specifically serve the ʻEwa District, which has a significant Native Hawaiian population, and currently lacks a permanent Hawaiian language immersion school for students from kindergarten to grade twelve.

Contention

The bill encourages the formation of a diverse working group that will include representatives from various educational and community organizations, thereby ensuring a collaborative approach to creating the immersion school. However, some might argue about the feasibility of adequately addressing the diverse needs of the community within the structure proposed. There might also be discussions regarding budget allocations and the prioritization of resources to support such initiatives, especially in light of competing educational programs.

Companion Bills

HI HCR75

Same As Encouraging The Hawaii State Department Of Education To Work With The Office Of Hawaiian Education To Create And Convene A Working Group To Establish A K-12 Hawaiian Immersion Campus In West Oahu.

Previously Filed As

HI HB1203

Relating To Hawaiian Language Immersion Education.

HI HB1242

Relating To Hawaiian Language Immersion Education.

HI SB1181

Relating To Hawaiian Language Immersion Education.

HI HR186

Requesting The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs To Convene A Working Group To Examine And Consider The Transfer Of Native Hawaiian Burial Site Management Under Chapter 6e, Hawaii Revised Statutes, From The State Historic Preservation Division To The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs.

HI HCR193

Requesting The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs To Convene A Working Group To Examine And Consider The Transfer Of Native Hawaiian Burial Site Management Under Chapter 6e, Hawaii Revised Statutes, From The State Historic Preservation Division To The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs.

HI SCR161

Requesting The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs To Convene A Working Group To Examine And Consider The Transfer Of Native Hawaiian Burial Site Management Under Chapter 6e, Hawaii Revised Statutes, From The State Historic Preservation Division To The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs.

HI SR130

Requesting The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs To Convene A Working Group To Examine And Consider The Transfer Of Native Hawaiian Burial Site Management Under Chapter 6e, Hawaii Revised Statutes, From The State Historic Preservation Division To The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs.

HI HR120

Encouraging The Kawaihuelani Center For Hawaiian Language Of The University Of Hawaii At Manoa To Further Provide Learning Resources And Opportunities That Promote Hawaiian Language And Culture.

HI HCR124

Encouraging The Kawaihuelani Center For Hawaiian Language Of The University Of Hawaii At Manoa To Further Provide Learning Resources And Opportunities That Promote Hawaiian Language And Culture.

HI HR147

Establishing A Legislative Working Group For The Continued Oversight Of The Department Of Hawaiian Home Lands' Execution Of Funds Appropriated By Act 279, Session Laws Of Hawaii 2022.

Similar Bills

HI HR213

Recognizing Hawaiian Council For 25 Years Of Dedicated Service, Impactful Leadership, And Steadfast Advocacy On Behalf Of The Native Hawaiian Community.

HI SB199

Relating To Hawaiian Culture.

HI SB199

Relating To Hawaiian Culture.

HI HB2617

Relating To The University Of Hawaii At Hilo.

HI HB1496

Relating To Education.

HI HB1496

Relating To Education.

HI SCR52

Requesting The Department Of Education To Require One Year Of Hawaiian Language Instruction As A Graduation Requirement In Public Schools.

HI SR50

Requesting The Department Of Education To Require One Year Of Hawaiian Language Instruction As A Graduation Requirement In Public Schools.