Tupola’s Hawaiian Language Resolution Unanimously Supported at the Capitol

News Release from Tupola Campaign, April 18, 2018

HONOLULU, Hawaiʻi - House Resolution 110 (HR110) relating to Hawaiian Language, Places, and Geographic Features was unanimously adopted in the Hawaiʻi State House of Representatives on April 5, 2018, and House Concurrent Resolution 160 (HCR160) passed unanimously in the Senate on April 17, 2018.

State House Minority Leader, Rep. Andria Tupola, introduced the resolutions with the help of Hawaiian language professors, educators, and advocates.  The resolutions urge the correct usage of Hawaiian names when referring to places and geographical features in Hawaiʻi.  Signs, maps, and promotional material issued by the State, schools, and tourism entities should include the correct Hawaiian spelling and punctuation for geographical locations.

Tupola stated, “I’m committed to recognizing Hawaiian as the official language of the state, and I hope these resolutions will be a step in the right direction to preserve and honor the Hawaiian language.”

Tupola rose to prominence in 2014 when she gained 56% of the votes in her House District, beating out the State House Majority Floor Leader by an astonishing 14% spread.  She was re-elected in 2016, and became the State House Minority Leader in 2017. She is a top contender and the only Republican legislator in the 2018 Hawaii State Governor’s race.

Tupola's resolutions gained wide support from the community and state departments such as, the Office of Planning, the Department of Education, and the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs testified,  “This measure will enable the State and its people to further the constitutional provision recognizing ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi as an official language of the State, and assist in the revitalization and normalization of ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi.”

A community member also testified gratefully that, “HCR 160 will help enhance the revival of the Hawaiian Language… Our Kupuna’s stories will be able to live on thanks to HCR 160.”

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