Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 37, Number 2, 1 Pepeluali 2020 — Ola Ka 'Ī - Windward Community Celebrates the Hawaiian Language [ARTICLE]

Ola Ka 'Ī - Windward Community Celebrates the Hawaiian Language

By Kanaeokana

February 1, 2020 will usher in Mahina 'Ōlelo Hawai'i, the State's annual observance of Hawaiian Language Month. The Ko'olau 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 'ī, (Hawaiian language thrives) was penned by a parent at Ke Kula Kaiapuni 'o S.M. Kamakau. In a naming contest, the organizers asked students to help eome up with a name for this new event. Over 25 submissions were received whieh made choosing just one name very difficult for the judges. The public is being invited to spend the day surrounded in 'ōlelo Hawai'i with Windward community families and businesses who are leading efforts to normalize the Hawaiian language in Hawai'i. Ola Ka 'ī will feature a free film screening of the short film "Hae Hawai'i," 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 Kāne'ohe Fire Station present to show their life saving skills and knowledge in Hawaiian. Sponsors of the event are Kūlaniākea, Ke Kula Kaiapuni 'o 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 ■