Keeping the language alive

Representatives present on behalf of Hawaiian language movement Kona Councilman Holeka Inaba, Paʻani Kelsen (Ke Kula ʻo Nawahiokalaniʻopuʻu) Pomaikaʻi Iaea (Ka Haka ʻUla o Keʻelikolani, UH Hilo) Pualani Kahoʻohanohano (ʻAha Punana Leo) Kalani Stoleson from UH Hilo, Ka Haka ʻUla o Keʻelikolani (Translator). (Courtesy photo/Special to West Hawaii Today)
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North Kona Councilman Holeka Inaba kicked off Hawaiian Language Month on Tuesday by chairing an entire committee meeting in Hawaiian, using an interpreter.

The council, on Wednesday, voted to recognize February as Hawaiian Language Month to promote the revival of Olelo Hawaii each February. Keanokualani Perreira, 10th grade Student at Ke Kula ‘o Nawahiokalani‘opu‘u gave the invocation and ‘Olelo No‘eau and Cyrus Johnasen, public information officer for Mayor Mitch Roth, presented a proclamation from the mayor.