Schatz, Hirono resolution recognizes rich history, culture of Native Hawaiians and Hawai‘i

Published October 1, 2026 • 1:00 AM HST

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Hawai‘i U.S. Sens. Brian Schatz and Mazie Hirono, both Democrats, recently introduced a Senate resolution designating September 2026 as Hawaiian History Month.

The resolution recognizes the rich history and culture of Native Hawaiians and Hawai‘i.

One of four King Kamehameha I statues located throughout the United States. (File Photo: Courtesy of Polynesian Cultural Center website)

“Hawaiian cultural traditions and values are an essential part of what makes Hawai‘i special,” said Schatz. “Hawaiian History Month is an opportunity to honor and celebrate the culture, history and contributions of the Native Hawaiian community and recommit to protecting Native Hawaiian rights.”

The state already designated September as Hawaiian History Month to promote public awareness for Native Hawaiian history and culture.

Schatz and Hirono’s resolution has five goals:

To honor the history, culture and contributions of Native Hawaiians to the state of Hawai‘i, United States and worldwide.
To recognize the importance of Public Law 103–150 and ongoing efforts to achieve reconciliation, including through consultation. Congress enacted Public Law 103-150 in 1993 to acknowledge the 100th anniversary of the illegal overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawai‘i, expressing regret for the U.S. role in the overthrow and affirming the inherent sovereignty of the Native Hawaiian people. The resolution also admits the Kingdom was unlawfully overthrown in 1893 by U.S. and European businessmen with support from U.S. military forces in 1893.
To commend the revitalization of Native Hawaiian language, culture and traditions as essential to the well-being and identity of Native Hawaiian communities.
To encourage federal agencies, educational institutions and civil society to observe Hawaiian History Month with appropriate programs, ceremonies and educational activities.
To call on federal agencies to promote programs established by Congress to recognize and implement the special political and trust relationship with the Native Hawaiian Community.

“Hawai‘i’s story is rooted in the wisdom, leadership and enduring heritage of Native Hawaiians,” Hirono said. “As we celebrate our state’s rich culture, I am proud to honor the immeasurable contributions Native Hawaiians have made — and continue to make — across our islands and nationwide.”

The full text of the resolution is available online.

News reporter Nathan Christophel contributed to this story.

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