Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2003

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Water, Land Use, and Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred H.C.R. No. 198 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this concurrent resolution is to support the preservation of the Hawaiian language and the perpetuation of its study and use.

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs testified in support of this concurrent resolution. The Department of Education supported the intent of this measure.

The waning use, understanding, and teaching of the Hawaiian language over the years has caused the gradual weakening of a living language. Your Committee notes that a resurgence in Hawaiian cultural awareness, sometimes called the "Hawaiian Renaissance", and increased interest in the Hawaiian language reached its peak in 1978 with the declaration of the Hawaiian language as one of two official languages of the State. Over the years, interest in Hawaiian language and culture has continued, and your Committee finds that it is imperative that the Hawaiian language is supported by the people of this State.

Your Committee has amended this measure by clarifying that the Legislature's commitment to promoting the use of the Hawaiian language extends to all areas of life and not only to tourist attractions and the naming of objects.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Water, Land Use, and Hawaiian Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.C.R. No. 198, as amended herein, and recommends its adoption in the form attached hereto as H.C.R. No. 198,

H.D. 1.