REQUESTING THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII TO PRIORITIZE A CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT TO CONSTRUCT "HALAU O KAWAIHUELANI".

HCR 125 is a concurrent resolution requesting the University of Hawaii to prioritize constructing "Halau o Kawaihuelani," a dedicated building for Hawaiian language and cultural programs. It directly affects the Kawaihuelani Center for Hawaiian Language and the Kamakakōkālani Center for Hawaiian Studies at UH Mānoa, which currently operate in separate campus locations (Spalding Hall and the Kamakakōkālani building) due to space constraints. The resolution seeks to consolidate these programs into one facility to support Hawaiian language classes, faculty offices, and a performing arts space for Hawaiian music, dance, and theater. This would address current challenges with physical separation hindering collaboration and accommodating growing student enrollment (over 1,000 students per semester in language courses). The resolution formally asks the University of Hawaii leadership to prioritize this project but does not mandate construction.