STAND. COM. REP. NO.  1031-12

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2012

RE:   S.B. No. 2175

      S.D. 1

Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Sixth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2012

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred S.B. No. 2175, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO HAWAIIAN LANGUAGE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to encourage the widespread use and preservation of the Hawaiian language by:

     (1)  Designating February as Olelo Hawaii Month;

     (2)  Requiring all documents and letterheads prepared by or for state or county agencies or officials to include accurate, appropriate, and authentic Hawaiian names and words beginning on January 1, 2013; and

     (3)  Requiring the Hawaiian language to be used on all emblems and symbols representative of the State, its departments, agencies, and political subdivisions with specified exceptions beginning on January 1, 2013.

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Kuakini Hawaiian Civic Club of Kona, Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs, and many concerned individuals supported this bill.  A concerned individual opposed this measure.  The Mayor of the City and County of Honolulu provided comments.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Hawaiian Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2175, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Judiciary.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Hawaiian Affairs,

____________________________

FAYE HANOHANO, Chair