HONOLULU (KHON2) — Pepeluali, or February, is dedicated to Mahina ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i, a month dedicated to supporting the normalization and preservation of the Hawaiian language.
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The state of Hawai‘i designated February as Mahina ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i to celebrate the Hawaiian language being rescued after it was on the brink of extinction in 1896, when the language was banned.
Hawai‘i’s fast-food chain, Zippy’s, joined Kumu Jonah Kahanuola to collaborate and show their support by translating their entire menu into ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i for customers to celebrate the Hawaiian language in everyday situations.
Zippy’s said they will also be hosting in-person introductory-level Hawaiian language classes at select locations in Hawai‘i and Las Vegas.
The classes will teach the basics of the Hawaiian language, grammar rules, proper pronunciation and foundational sentence structures.
Classes will be offered at the following locations: