Read this article in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi
By Kanaeokana
February 1, 2020 will usher in Mahina ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, the State’s annual observance of Hawaiian Language Month. The Koʻolau community of Hawaiian language immersion schools will celebrate the vibrancy of the Hawaiian language at an event being hosted at Windward Mall on February 1, 2020 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
The name of the event, Ola Ka ʻĪ, (Hawaiian language thrives) was penned by a parent at Ke Kula Kaiapuni ʻo S.M. Kamakau. In a naming contest, the organizers asked students to help come up with a name for this new event. Over 25 submissions were received which made choosing just one name very difficult for the judges.
The public is being invited to spend the day surrounded in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi with Windward community families and businesses who are leading efforts to normalize the Hawaiian language in Hawaiʻi. Ola Ka ʻĪ will feature a free film screening of the short film “Hae Hawaiʻi,” a heat press station to affix a custom designed Hawaiian flag decal onto a t-shirt (bring your own t-shirt), center stage entertainment all day, and other free giveaways. A booth staffed by Hawaiian language techies will help guests download Hawaiian language learning apps and games such as Duolingo and Lehulehu onto smartphones. There will also be a team of Hawaiian speaking firefighters from the Kāneʻohe Fire Station present to show their life saving skills and knowledge in Hawaiian.
Sponsors of the event are Kūlaniākea, Ke Kula Kaiapuni ʻo S.M. Kamakau, Kanaeokana and Windward Mall with participation from teachers, parents, and students of preK-12 Hawaiian immersion schools from Waimānalo to Kahuku.
Contact: Manuwai Peters, advocacy@kanaeokana.net or 808-534-8435
