Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 4, Number 3, 1 March 1987 — Hawaiian Language No Barrier in First High School Campout [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Hawaiian Language No Barrier in First High School Campout

Sixty-three high school students in Hawaiian language studies and two keikis from Punana Leo attended the first Hawaiian language campout and work session Jan. 23-25 at Camp Harold R. Erdman in Mokuleia. The high school students represented six schools — St. Louis, Waipahu, University High, Kailua, Kauai and Molokai High Schools — and they were accompanied by their respective Hawaiian language instructors. It was a busy weekend for the students who represented all levels of Hawaiian language — entry, begin-

ning, intermediate and advanced. As a result, allowances had to be made especially for the entry and beginning level students who appeared shy and unsure about using the language, resorting instead to English. They were immersed in a wide range of activities, including language games such as bingo, charades, scavenger hunts and the like. There was also time for arts and crafts, especiaily coconut weaving from Kaleinani Kalama, University High instructor, and her husband, Noah. Music, hula and lots of recreation time

were also available. The Punana Leo students, however, were the darlings of the campout. They conversed throughout the day and night entirely in the Hawaiian language, even while playing and having disagreements. It was delightful observing and listening to them. Their mastery over the language and proficiency are something to behold. Mikeela Kaawa, age 3, has been with Punana Leo for one and one-half years while Kuuwehi Kaniaupi'o, age 4, has been at the schoolfor two years. Both are offsprings

of Hawaiian language teachers. Mikeela is the son of Makalapua Kaawa, Hawaiian language instructor at Kailua High School, and Kuuwehi is the daughter of Ekela Kaniaupi'o, Hawaiian language instructor at St. Louis School. The campout grew out of an idea by Mrs. Kaawa who reported everyone was receptive to having another next year, perhaps on a different island. Robert Lokomaika'iokalani Snakenberg, educational specialist in Hawaiian Studies for the Department of Education, was on hand to weleome and talk to the students. WĒ I 1 ■■ mmmm

Kaleinani Kalama. Hawaiian language instructor at the University of Hawaii laboratory school or University High School, and her husband Noah at other end of bench teach coconut weaving during arts and crafts portion of high school language campout. Gerald Kelala Gordon of Waipahu High School leans over bench to observe David Kawika of Kauai High School. Watching intently at right is Chris Bunao, Kauai High School.

Keoni Inciong, Hawaiian language teacher at Kauai High School, is shown at far right explaining this competition during pa'ani time at campout.