HI SB848

Expands the Hawaiian Language College at the University of Hawaii at Hilo to operate year-round with internal Hawaiian language administration and worldwide program offerings through electronic means.

Adds new functions to the Hawaiian Language College including general education pathways through Hawaiian language, pilot programs for endangered languages, Native American language research partnerships, and collaboration with other University of Hawaii campuses.

Authorizes the University of Hawaii system to establish a pilot project for Hawaiian language medium general education programs and coursework, building on international models for indigenous and minority official languages.

Requires development of a system-wide implementation plan addressing Hawaiian language goals, with input from Hawaiian language program directors and the former working group from S.R. No. 97, S.D. 1 (2015).

Mandates annual University of Hawaii reports to the legislature detailing efforts to implement Hawaiian language education, student enrollment numbers, implementation plan status, and recommendations for statewide Hawaiian language education promotion.