UNIVERSITY OF HAWAIʻI RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS TRADITIONAL SPEAKERS OF ‘ŌLELO HAWAIʻI
- Hawaiʻi State Senate
- Aug 13
- 3 min read
LĪHUʻE, HAWAIʻI – On the leeward side of Kauaʻi, students of Ke Kula Niihau O Kekaha are immersed in Hawaiian culture and language – specifically Olelo Niihau. Last year, the students and staff authored an installation of books displayed at the Līhuʻe Public Library.
Today, the Senate Committee on Ways and Means received updates from the Hawaiʻi State Public Charter School Commission (HSPCSC) on the perpetuation of Olelo Niihau, also known as the Niihau dialect, at Ke Kula Niihau O Kekaha, a Pre-K-12 charter school in Kekaha. A similar installation showcasing the books authored by students and staff is currently on display at the Līhuʻe Public Library.
Olelo Niihau is a dialect of ‘Ōlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian Language), spoken most in Kauaʻi and Niʻihau. It is estimated that about five hundred individuals speak the language. Through Act 164, Session Laws of Hawaii 2023, the Legislature appropriated $30,000 to the HSPCSC to support traditional speakers of Native Hawaiian.
“Ke Kula Niihau O Kekaha will be celebrating 25 years of strengthening and perpetuating the language and culture of Niihau this May. Our journey began with the vision and determination of five mana wahine, Anake Sana Pahulehua, Anake Lete Kaaumoana, Tutu Pine Kelley, Mama Ilei Beniamina and Mama Ane Kanahele, who knew that the future of Olelo Niihau needed to be prioritized through our youth and education to truly thrive. Strengthening and perpetuating Olelo Niihau and our cultural practices has become our life’s work. Today, we celebrate our language with more than 400 books published in Olelo Niihau along with a priceless archive of recorded interviews with our manaleo - many of whom are no longer with us. We honor the foundation built by our tupuna by carrying their vision forward with deep gratitude and unwavering commitment,” said Tia Koerte, Poʻo Tumu Ke Kula Niihau O Kekaha.
Dr. Ed H. Noh, Executive Director of the Hawai‘i State Public Charter School Commission, introduced the principal researcher, Dr. Bradley McDonnell, Associate Professor from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, who presented a preliminary report and findings on the history of Olelo Niihau, featuring its use in contemporary society, the results of a sociolinguistic survey of native speakers, and the results of a comprehensive study of differences between Olelo Niihau and the more commonly used ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi.
“This is an important and exciting research that not only uplifts and calls attention to Olelo Niihau, but the Hawaiian language as a whole. The Hawaiʻi State Public Charter School Commission is proud to have such a rich and diverse portfolio of schools that elevate language and culture such as Ke Kula Niihau O Kekaha,” said Dr. Noh.
“Ke Kula Niihau O Kekaha and the Hawaiʻi State Public Charter School Commission are leading the way in preserving Olelo Niihau, recognizing the importance of keeping this vital dialect accessible,” said Senate Vice President Michelle N. Kidani (D – 18, Mililani Town, Waipiʻo Gentry, Crestview, Waikele, portion of Waipahu, Village Park, Royal Kunia), Chair of the Senate Committee on Education. “It is our kuleana to provide the resources needed to keep this important dialect alive for our keiki and future generations.”
“The remarkable achievement of Ke Kula Niihau O Kekaha in publishing over 400 books in Olelo Niihau highlights the resilience and dedication of our community to preserve this unique dialect,” said Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz, Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means (D – 17, portion of Mililani, Mililani Mauka, portion of Waipiʻo Acres, Launani Valley, Wahiawā, Whitmore Village). “The report produced by the University of Hawaiʻi can help pave the path to preserve the dialects spoken by traditional speakers of Native Hawaiian across the state.”
"The Hawaiian language, ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, is vital for preserving the Hawaiian culture, its identity, preserving history and strengthening the connection to the land," said Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi (D – 8, Kauaʻi, Niʻihau). "It acts as a bridge to the past, connecting people to their ancestors, traditional knowledge, and the land. Olelo Niihau remains a living language and a connection to our history. We must honor and protect this dialect, not only for the sake of tradition, but for our future.”
A note on Olelo Niihau and ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi: Olelo Niihau in written form is distinguishable from ‘Olelo Hawaiʻi as it does not traditionally use the diacritical marks ‘okina and kahakō.
This release is part of a series of updates on the current site visits of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. Further updates will be released soon.