Bills of Congress by U.S. Congress

S.Res.83 - Designating February 2025 as Hawaiian Language Month or ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i Month. (119th Congress)

Summary

Senate Resolution 83 designates February 2025 as Hawaiian Language Month or ``Olelo Hawaii Month''. The resolution acknowledges the historical significance of the Hawaiian language and the efforts to revitalize it after its near extinction. It also recognizes the State of Hawai`i's initiatives to promote the language.

Expected Effects

This resolution will raise awareness about the Hawaiian language and culture. It encourages activities and programs that support ``Olelo Hawaii''. The resolution also reinforces the federal commitment to preserving Native American languages.

Potential Benefits

  • Increased awareness and appreciation of Hawaiian language and culture.
  • Support for language revitalization efforts.
  • Recognition of the historical injustices that led to the decline of the language.
  • Promotion of cultural diversity and inclusion.
  • Reinforcement of federal policies supporting Native American languages.

Potential Disadvantages

  • The resolution itself has no direct financial implications, so there are no immediate economic drawbacks.
  • Potential for symbolic gestures without substantial action if not followed by concrete initiatives.
  • Possible criticism from groups who believe resources should be allocated elsewhere.

Constitutional Alignment

The resolution aligns with the spirit of promoting the general welfare as stated in the Preamble of the US Constitution. While the Constitution does not explicitly address language preservation, the resolution supports cultural heritage, which can be seen as contributing to a more perfect union. The resolution also aligns with the Native American Languages Act, which reflects a federal policy to protect and promote Native American languages.

Impact Assessment: Things You Care About

This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).