Five Hilo students have their research projects in ‘Olelo Hawaii (the Hawaiian language) featured in a first-of-its-kind online showcase titled, “In Language There is Life: I ka ‘olelo no ke ola.”
Hosted by the National Museum of the American Indian and Smithsonian’s Asian Pacific American Center, this is the first year students in grades 7-11 representing Hawaii Island will be recognized at the national level in the Hawaiian-language category, established in 2019.
The students participating from Hilo were taught by Mahealani Lono at Ka ‘Umeke Ka‘eo Public Charter School. They are: Lani Dudoit, Lukia Lozar, Kawika Asejo, Kaniaulono Hapai and Kaopualani Puniwai-Ganoot.
The projects were created as part of the Hawaii History Day and National History Day competitions.
“We are the only state affiliate really pushing to create this contest where students do not have to translate and can do their research in Hawaiian language, can be judged in Hawaiian language, and can practice and deepen their understanding of their language,” said Aiko Yamashiro, Hawaii Council for Humanities executive director. “As researchers, scientists, historians, farmers, fishers and musicians, we know that ‘Olelo Hawaii is at the cutting edge and holds all this expertise, wisdom and an entire worldview that teaches us to malama, to care for and love our home and each other. I think these projects are demonstrating that.”
The presentations cover a variety of subjects, including a court case brought against the Department of Land and Natural Resources concerning the conservation of the palila bird, the 19th Amendment guaranteeing women the right to vote, and the annexation of Hawaii by the United States.
“You can see in their education they are being taught that this is my culture to be proud of, to respect, to take responsibility for,” Yamashiro said of the students. “They carry themselves in a way that honors their ancestors, and you feel from them that they play an important role in our history and our future.”
Typically held in Washington, D.C., as part of the National History Day competition, restrictions from the pandemic have led to the projects being presented online. They can be viewed on the Smithsonian’s website at https://tinyurl.com/yv8kkssm.
The projects prioritize primary sources, allowing generations to work together and unite over their shared history.
“Our students are interviewing their grandparents, or looking at old family photos, and the process of doing history like this creates relationships and understanding between generations,” Yamashiro said. “When I was a kid and participated in Hawaii History Day, it was the first time I realized my family’s stories could be a part of the history I learned in school.”
When the Hawaiian language was banned from education in 1896, its future was in jeopardy. But through cultural supporters like the Hawaii Council for Humanities and institutional recognition from places like the Smithsonian, its revival has been uplifting news for advocates like Yamashiro.
“It’s about time,” she said. “To see it being institutionalized more, to see national programs honoring and picking it up, this is just the next step. It fills me with hope and excitement to see the movement and to be a part of this really good thing happening, good not just for Hawaiians, but for all of us who live in Hawaii.”
Email Grant Phillips at gphillips@hawaiitribune-herald.com