E Ola ka ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi (English)

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Read this article in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi

Keoni Souza: Trustee At-Large

As we observe Mahina ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, we must move beyond celebration and confront the pressing challenges that threaten its survival. Ensuring that ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi thrives in the 21st century requires bold action, unwavering commitment, and a shared vision for the future.

The recent comment at the city council hearing, where a testifier claimed she couldn’t understand the speaker because she was speaking in Hawaiian, a “dead language,” serves as a stark reminder of the ignorance and disrespect our language continues to face. It’s more than a misunderstanding – it’s a failure to recognize ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi as the living, thriving identity of our people. This is a call to action: we must work harder to educate and advocate, ensuring that ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi is seen and respected as the foundation of our culture.

Immersion schools and programs are at capacity, and too many families are left waiting or unable to participate because of geography or cost. If ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi is truly a priority for our people, then funding, resources, and infrastructure must match that commitment. At OHA we are committed to our strategic plan by supporting education through Hawaiian language medium and focused charter schools. How can we do more?

Our language needs to live beyond the classroom. It must spread throughout workplaces, government offices, and public spaces. Seeing ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi normalized in everyday interactions will not only strengthen its presence but also inspire new generations to embrace it. This requires policy changes and the willingness of leadership to make Hawaiian language is a visible, audible part of daily life.

This Mahina ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, let’s remember: the survival of ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi is the responsibility of every one of us. It’s about more than preserving a language – it’s about protecting the soul of our people. E ola ka ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi!