Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 40, Number 1, 1 January 2023 — Ola Ka 'Ī Hawaiian Language Event Returns to Windward Mall [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Ola Ka 'Ī Hawaiian Language Event Returns to Windward Mall

Gontributed by Kūlaniākea Kūlaniākea, Ke Kula 'o Kamakau, Ke Kula Kaiapuni 'o Pū ohala, 'Ahahui 'Ōlelo Hawai'i, and Kanaeokana will host Ola Ka 'ī, a Hawaiian language fair on Jan. 28 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Windward Mall Center Stage. Similar to the event held in February 2020, Ola Ka 'ī will onee again usher in Mahina 'Ōlelo Hawai'i (Hawaiian Language Month) with an exciting offering of student-led entertainment and storytelling, "make & take" stations, games, and informational booths. This year there is an added bonus of a Hawaiian language speech competition for students in grades K-12. Our beloved emcees for the event, Ekela KaniaupioCrozier and Hau'oli Akaka, will be our on-stage hosts for the day, providing a richly curated experience ma ka 'Ōlelo Hawai'i (in the Hawaiian language). The Hawaiian language immersive format is a signature component of Ola Ka 'ī and is designed to engage the growing number of school aged children and their families attending Hawaiian language schools in the Ko'olau region. Hawaiian language speakers and students of all ages and places are encouraged to eome enjoy this special day, ma ka olelo Hawai'i! Ola Ka 'ī events will also be held on Maui at Ka'ahumanu Shopping Center on Feb. 18 and at Ka Makana Ali'i in Kapolei on Feb. 25, 2023. To enter the Hawaiian language speech competition at any of the Ola Ka 'ī events, please email advocacy@kanaeokana.net for a link to register. ■

At ū similar event held ot Windword AAoll in Februory 2020 before the pondemic, Hawūiian longuoge houmōno ond their kumu delighted onlookers with stu-dent-led entertoinment, storytelling and gomes. Pictured at the top haumōna from Ke Kula 'o Samuel Komakau in Kōne'ohe shored their mele while borefoot hūumōna from Kūlaniōkeo preschool (helow in red t-shirts) charmed the oudience with their performonce. At right, o crowd of 'ohono, friends ond shoppers forms to listen to the keiki. - Photos: Courtesy