Windward Community College hosted more than 60 haumāna (students) from across the Koʻolau region for Nā Leo Hiehie o ke Koʻolau, a hoʻopaʻanaʻau (memorization) competition highlighting fluency in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi.
The January event featured students from Ke Kula Kaiapuni Hawaiʻi ʻo Kahuku Academy, Ke Kula Kaiapuni ʻo Hauʻula, Ke Kula ʻo Samuel M. Kamakau, Kūlaniākea, and Ke Kula Kaiapuni ʻo Pū‘ōhala.
“Windward CC is so thankful to be part of this event, which reinforces the love of language and culture for our ʻōpio (youth) and kaiāulu (community),” said Chancellor Ardis Eschenberg.
Nā Leo Hiehie o ke Koʻolau, was organized in partnership with Kanaeokana (a network dedicated to supporting ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi, Hawaiian culture and ʻāina-based education) and ʻAhahui ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi (an organization that advocates for the Hawaiian language).
“Ola ka ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi makamae i ka leo o nā kamaliʻi! Our precious Hawaiian language lives in the voices of the children!” said Ekela Kaniaupio-Crozier, president of ʻAhahui ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi.
Kanaeokana’s Manuwai Peters added, “Nā Leo Hiehie o ke Koʻolau provides students a competitive platform to showcase excellence in Hawaiian language while inspiring their peers. Seeing their families and teachers cheer them on is incredible. We look forward to supporting this event again in 2025.”
Showcasing passion, skill
The event kicked off a series of statewide competitions during Mahina ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian Language Month). Winners were honored at the Ola Ka ʻĪ Hawaiian Language Celebration at Windward Mall.
“I am so honored to have an amazing team that provides a platform for haumāna to showcase their passion and skills for ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi. We look forward to sustaining and growing this event for years to come,” said Kaʻimionalani Gample, Windward CC Early College counselor.
Māhiehie Garrett, Hawaiʻiloa program coordinator, added, “When mākua (parents) and keiki (children) speak together in the language of our kūpuna (elders), you feel it. This is the future our kūpuna envisioned.”
