Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 4, Number 11, 1 November 1987 — Ka Leo O Na Kupuna Uniquely Hawaiian [ARTICLE]

Ka Leo O Na Kupuna Uniquely Hawaiian

Ka Leo O Na Kupuna marked its seventh anniversary Oct. 16 with a potluck pa'ina at Alu Like ine. Oahu Island Center. Organized exclusively for educational purposes, Ka Leo O Na Kupuna was established in 1980 under the auspices of Alu Like following a statewide conference at Kamehameha Schools.

Nancy Heinrich, Alu Like's community specialist, is the group's advisor. She succeeded Rick Scudder who is now project director with Hawaii Heptachlor Research and Education Foundation. Uniquely, the organization conducts its monthly meetings primarily in Hawaiian with some English for those new members who are rediscovering their knowledge of the language or starting from scratch. Objectives of Ka Leo O Na Kupuna are many with the eommon thread being Hawaiian language. Some long range plans for the organization include projects such as A'o Ka 'Olelo Makuahine, Hawaiian bible tapes, workshops and guest speakers on culture and history. A sample bible tape was played by Kupuna Lilia Hale at the Oct. 16 meeting and it was well received.

Minutes in Hawaiian and English by Secretary Kainoa Wright remain an item of great interest and worth. Kupuna Nalani Ellis, 83, reported that the treasury was healthy and stable. Albert Like,at 87 theeldestkupuna, is a steadfast influence on this flock of kupuna who take their roles as "the source" seriously. Nalani Jenkins, daughter of Office of Hawaiian Affairs Community Kupuna Coordinator Betty Kawohiokalani Ellis Jenkins, was announced as the newest recipient of a scholarship from Ka Leo O Kupuna. Miss Jenkins, a 1984 graduate of Kamehameha, is an honor student at Denver University where she is a senior in the School of Business. Kupuna needing more information about the organization may contact the Alu Like Oahu Island Center at 523-5422 or at their office, 524 Cooke St.