Mahina ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, Hawaiian Language Month, is observed each Pepeluali (February), and University of Hawaiʻi is hosting a series of events to uplift Hawaiʻi’s native tongue.
This year’s University of Hawaiʻi-sponsored events began Jan. 30 at Windward Community College in Kaneohe, Oʻahu.
The annual Nā Leo Hiehie o ke Koʻolau, a hoʻokūkū ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language speech competition) had 120 student participants from kindergarten through high school sharing memorized passages and original speeches delivered entirely in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi during the event at Hale ʻĀkoakoa (Campus Center).
“I’m a kaiapuni [Hawaiian medium school] mom, so this is really close to my heart, as well as to get to see our keiki, the ʻōpio [youth] get up there and be proud of themselves,” said Windward Community College Chancellor Ardis Eschenberg in a university release about Hawaiian Language Month activities. “We hope for these children to feel comfortable while they’re here today to have a really good time and see that the college really values them for who they are and where they’re from, and come to us when they’re done.”…