Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 32, Number 2, 1 February 2015 — Knowledge is not enough; let it be proven [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Knowledge is not enough; let it be proven

A Hawaiian proverb says, "Hō a 'e ka 'ike he 'enalu i ka hokua o ka 'aie." Translation: "Show your knowledge of surfing on the back ofthe wave." ('Ōlelo No'eau, 1013) This saying suggests that talking about one's knowledge is not enough; let it be proven. The Hawai-

ian language and knowledge systems are bountiful and flourishing. So are our Hawaiian identities and culture, whieh are central to our well-being. There is strong evidence today that Hawaiian scholars and educators are amplifying the Hawaiian voice through quantitative and qualitative research. Our students are developing a high level of self-esteem as perpetuators of the native language of this land and of its cultural heritage. Being the Vice

Chairperson on the Hawai'i State Board of Education gave me the honor and privilege to visit, meet and speak with our leaders in our Hawaiian Immersion Charter Schools. Dr. Kū Kahakalau, founder of one of the flrst public Hawaiian Charter Schools on Hawai'i Island, called Kanu O Ka 'Āina, invited me to be the keynote speaker at its graduation ceremonies. A wonderful school where she drew from ancient Hawaiian traditions to promote sustainability and hands-on learning. Our picture is shown above. Now let me quote from our beloved Queen Lili'uokalani's own autobiography on Education: "Another provision of the will of Mrs. Bishop may be noticed here. It was found that she had made ample provision for the education of the people of her race; and an educational and industrial institute was

to be erected, specially limited in its mission to young Hawaiians. The privileges of this eommendable charity were likewise restricted by the benefactor to those of the Protestant faith. The Presbyterian churches in Hawaii may proflt by this devise; but those of the English Catholic or Roman Catholic Missions are excluded because of their religion, whieh scarcely makes the institution a nahonal beneflt. . . . "In the year

1886 I organized an educahonal society, the intention of whieh was to interest the Hawaiian ladies in the proper training of young girls of their own race whose parents would be unable to give them advantages by whieh they would be prepared for the duties of life. As no such association had ever existed, although there had been frequent cases of

private benevolence, it seemed a good time to interest those who had the means in this important work. Therefore I called a meeting, notifying all whom I thought would be likely to attend. The response was very gratifying, and on the appointed aftemoon a goodly number of our best ladies assembled in the Kawaiahao Church. The meeting was opened with prayer; after whieh I arose, made a short address, and explained to the audienee my purpose in requesting attention in the MORAL and INTELLECTUAL (emphasis added) needs of those of our sex who were just beginning life. These remarks seemed to meet the approval of all present. . . . The association was called "The Liliuokalani Educational Society." Hawaii's Story by Hawaii's Queen Liliuokalani, published Oct. 1, 1991. ■

<LEO 'ELELE V www.oha.org/kwo | kwo@OHA.org TRUSTEE MESSSAGES ' NATiVE HAWAIIAN » NEWS l FEATURES I EVENT S

Leina'ala Ahu lsa, Ph.D.

TrustEE, At-largE

Dr. Kū Kahakalau, left, and Trustee Lei Ahu lsa. - Courtesy photo