Hawaiian Language University

Is it possible that after so long we can actually choose whether or not we want university level instruction in English or Hawaiian?

Hopefully the answer to this question will be YES very soon. The Hawaiian language is an official language of Hawaiʻi along with English. There are day cares, preschools and K-12 Hawaiian medium schools (meaning ALL subjects are taught through Hawaiian) throughout the islands. Our university system is making its way into that arena as well.

Senate Bill 1070 of Hawaiʻi looks at establishing a university within a university. Specifically, a Hawaiian Language University to be established within the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo. Why is this a good thing? Because it provides choice to its students on if they want to attend an English speaking or Hawaiian speaking school. This bill will also open the doors for other universities to provide that same opportunity for their communities if they so choose.

I will keep you updated on how everything turns out. You can read the entire bill at: SB 1070.