Kealiʻi Rasmussen, an ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language) alumnus from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, has turned his passion for ʻōlelo into a mission for community impact. Raised in a Hawaiian language church, he recalls his tūtū (grandmother) speaking some Hawaiian words and phrases and grew to love the language.
“It started off as an avenue to learn ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi the way our kūpuna (elders) did—through oral teaching and communication,” Rasmussen said. “This led to me caring for keiki (children) at the same time and growing a deep connection.”
What started as a three-year role in 2014 at a Pūnana Leo Hawaiian language immersion preschool evolved into a decade-long dedication to language education. Today, he is the head teacher of Pūnana Leo o Waiʻanae (PLOW), where he nurtures young Hawaiian speakers each day.
Kuleana to nurture keiki
In spring 2024, Rasmussen earned a BA in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi from UH Mānoa’s Kawaihuelani Center for Hawaiian Language and a certificate in Hawaiian language medium early education from UH Hilo’s Ka Haka ʻUla ʻo Keʻelikolani College of Hawaiian Language. He believes his studies have equipped him to meet the kuleana (responsibility) to young learners.
“Knowing that you are adding to their success and helping their family grow in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi…and when I run into them 10 years down the line, [I hope] that they remember me and the life lessons that I taught them, are successful and are carrying the ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi in their careers.”
ʻŌlelo opportunities, fundraiser
PLOW is hosting Kāpahi Ka Moana I Kai, a free public fundraiser on Saturday, November 16, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Wai Kai in ʻEwa. The event, designed to engage the broader community, will include live Hawaiian music, makahiki (harvest) games, ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi lessons, and more than 20 local vendors. Funds raised will help Pūnana Leo o Waiʻanae enhance its language immersion programs, including classes for mākua (parents) to foster a Hawaiian-speaking home environment.
Full circle path
Reflecting on his journey, Rasmussen feels grateful for his career, which helped him fulfill his dream of embracing the language of his ancestors.
“When I first started Pūnana Leo o Waiʻanae in 2014, I couldn’t ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi but being immersed and learning alongside of the keiki I was able to learn and speak.”
For more go to Pūnana Leo O Waiʻanae Instagram account.
