HI HCR130

Apologizes to Native Hawaiian people for the effective prohibition of Hawaiian language instruction in Hawaii's public schools from 1896 to 1986, following Act 57 of the Republic of Hawaii (1896).

Acknowledges that Act 57 established an English-only policy in Hawaii's public schools, causing Hawaiian language speakers to decline from nearly 40,000 in 1896 to 2,000 by 1978, and excluded Hawaiian from official instruction for four generations.

Recognizes that the Hawaiian Language Immersion Program was not established until 1986, despite constitutional amendments requiring the State to promote Hawaiian culture, history, and language (Hawaii Constitution Article X, Section 4).

Expresses the legislature's commitment to acknowledge the ramifications of the 1893 overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaii and address historical and contemporary issues between the United States and Native Hawaiian people.

Directs transmission of certified copies to the Governor, Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees, Hawaiian Homes Commission, Board of Education, and Superintendent of Education.