A Little Extra Aloha at the Capitol

Earlier this week, students, teachers, and families from ‘Halau Lokahi, a Hawaiian immersion charter school, made a visit to the Capitol to celebrate the opening of the Makahiki festivities. Kumu Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu led the school in a procession where they were greeted by Rep. Faye Hanohano (Puna), who joined in their oli (chant) and hoo kupu (gift giving to the ahu).

Kumu Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu has also been working with Rep. Hanohano’s office to put on a series of Hawaiian language classes for lawmakers this session.

“As a Hawaiian and as a lawmaker, it brings me great joy to see the success of Hawaiian immersion schools like ‘Halau Lokahi,” said Rep. Hanohano. “Language is at the heart of culture; the preservation and resurrection of the Hawaiian language ensures the future of our culture.”