HomeMy WebLinkAboutMahina 'Olelo Hawai'i - February 2022roclàmatIon
WHEREAS language is a verbal expression of cultural beliefs, memories, and traditions and is
the foundation for Indigenous peoples; and
WHEREAS, like many indigenous languages around the world, `Olelo Hawaii has a history of
suppression and became an endangered language, with generations of young people denied access to
their cultural heritage; and
WHEREAS,without Hawaiian expression, the Hawaiian way of thriving as a lahui was
dramatically disrupted, leading to cultural conflict and despair, causing loss of cultural and health
practices; and
WHEREAS,in the 1970s, the Hawaiian language revitalization movement began, with focus on
linguistic immersion and education to re-engage what was lost. With perseverance, determination, and
mana instilled by their kupuna, the leaders of the movement nurtured our endangered language to
strengthen and grow; and
WHEREAS, in 2012, with an amendment to the Hawaii Revised Statutes §8-24, `Olelo Hawaii
was recognized as one of two official state languages in Hawaii. and provided that the month of
February be designated as `Olelo Hawaii Month; and
WHEREAS, this measure was the first Act to be codified in Hawaiian and English and states:
Mahina 'Olelo Hawaii: E `ike mau a e kapa `ia ana a`e ka mahina 'o Pepeluali 'o is ka `Mahina
Olelo Hawaii' i mea e ho`omaika`i a e paipai aku ai i ka 'Melo `ana o ua 'Melo Makuahine nei
la"; and
WHEREAS linguistic education is seen as a vital part of a broader cultural revitalization; today
there are 12 Punana Leo preschools and 21 Hawaiian immersion and Hawaiian medium education
schools statewide. The University of Hawai`i system offers college degrees in Hawaiian Language and
Hawaiian medium education, and the Hawaiian Duolingo course was launched in 2018.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, MITCHELL D. ROTH, Mayor of the County of Hawaii, do hereby
proclaim the month of FEBRUARY 2022, as
MAHINA `OLELO HAWAII
in the County of Hawai`i and celebrate and encourage the use of the Hawaiian language through
which we perpetuate the culture of our `aina.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused The Seal of the County of
Hawai`i to be affixed. Done this 9th day of February 2022, in Hilo, Hawai`i.
MITCHELL D. ROTH
MAYOR