Honolulu. In accordance with the Hawai‘i State Constitution, which recognizes both the English and Hawaiian languages, a bill introduced by Rep. Mele Carroll would ensure the proper use and spelling of the Hawaiian language in official uses.
“We need to support the host culture. We need to support our native people here,” Rep. Mele Carroll said. “We don’t want our culture to disappear either and the best way to preserve it is through the language.”
HB 1666 HD1 requires that all state and county letterheads, emblems, and symbols, when newly created, replaced, reprinted, or otherwise revised, contain the accurate, appropriate, and authentic Hawaiian names and language.
The bill allows for current state emblems and symbols currently in existence to remain in their current forms until a replacement is required.
HB 1666 HD1 passed Third Reading unanimously today with none voting no and has been transmitted to the Senate.
Rep. Mele Carroll is Chairwoman of the Hawaiian Affairs Committee and Chairwoman of the Legislative Hawaiian Caucus.
Representative Mele Carroll 