Hawaiian Immersion Celebrates 20 Years
Hundreds gathered at the Capitol this morning to commemorate 20 years of the state’s Hawaiian Language Immersion program.
The pilot program opened in 1987, marking the first time in 100 years that instruction in government schools was conducted completely in the native Hawaiian language.
Five University of Hawai`i football players delivered Hawaiian-language speeches. Students cheered as Brad Kalilimoku led them in the team’s pre-game ha`a.
Students from the program met with UH football players.
This morning’s celebration also included speeches from local leaders. Sen. David Ige told students that while he knew the program was a good idea when it started, he never imagined it would be as successful as they all have made it today.
The celebration closed with a performance by the Waimanalo Sunset Band.