Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 13, Number 9, 1 September 1996 — Hawaiian Language Speakers Conference [ARTICLE]

Hawaiian Language Speakers Conference

This year Hawaiians are celebrating the Year of Hawaiian Language. The language is exf>eriencing a renaissance through different educational outlets, Pūnana Leo, Kula Kaiapuni, public schools and universities across the state. As part of its celebrations, 'Ahahui 'Ōlelo Hawai'i will hold a native Hawaiian language speakers conference on September 6, 7 and 8 at the Hawai'i Prince Hotel. Speakers from across the state, who were born and raised in the language and who still speak it regularly, will attend the conferenee. Ku'uipo Kumukahi, whose father, Kamuela, is a 74 year-old native speaker, will perform a luneheon concert at the conference. Kamuela is responsible

for helping Ku'uipo win the Nā Hōkū Hanohano Haku Mele Award in 1994. "Manaleo" (native speakers) of the Hawaiian language, number approximately 500. These "manaleo" are the keepers of memories and a unique and genuine form of the Hawaiian language. However, these treasures are in their seventies and their numbers are diminishing rapidly. The conference will help native speakers use their gifts of experience, knowledge and wisdom to enrich the lives of both Hawaiians and nonHawaiians. The event will be taped and televised for those studying the language. For more information eall Kalani Akana at (808) 528-5453 or (808) 456-1747. .