HONOLULU (KHON2) – O keia la ka la hope loa o ka mahina Ianuali. I ka la apopo, ka la mua o ka mahina Pepeluali o ia hoi ka Mahina ʻOlelo Hawaiʻi. I keia hopena pule, ma anei ma Windward Mall, he hanana no ka hoolaulea o Ola Ka I. Ae? A oia!
Tomorrow is the first of February which kicks off Hawaiian Language Month and here tomorrow will be Ola Ka I, an event to help kick off and start all the celebrations.
Kaula Robina Tauotaha, co-founder and lead teacher at Kulaniakea says that audiences can expect a celebration of culture from Ola Ka I.
“Ola Ka I is an event that celebrates Hawaiian language thriving in our community and here at Windward Mall is the perfect place for it because it is a public space that invites all of the community to come and celebrate with our language schools so that our keiki in particular thrives outside of their schools and in their communities,” Tauotaha said.
“So, we wanted to bring in the families, bring in the community, to showcase our language thriving all over in different work places and their everyday lives. So, Ola Ka I, this is our fourth year putting this event on in partnership with Windward Mall, KS Kaiaulu, Kaneokana and Kamakau. And its just a great language event for speakers and non-speakers,” Tauotaha continued.
For many, speaking ʻOlelo Hawaiʻi can be intimidating, but the organization aims to foster a productive learning environment, especially for keiki.
“Yes, ʻOlelo Hawaiʻi can be intimidating but we want to break down those barriers, break down those walls, and take the lead of our keiki. You know, look at them. They try everyday and you are invited to try as well, just take one word a day,” Tauotaha said.
The language event will be on Feb. 1, but will not be restricted to just one location.
“Yes, so Ola Ka I Koolau is the first of many events across the pae aina, across our islands,” Tauotaha said. “So, take a look online and I think we are going to put up the dates and the times for different locations, but it is the beginning of the roll out celebration of schools and communities all across Hawaii.”
Tomorrow is just the kick off of Mahina ʻOlelo Hawaiʻi and Windward Mall will have Ola Ka I from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
However, there are events throughout the islands and throughout the month.
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