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Lei at the dedication of grounds for the Hawaiian immersion school in Kaʻū at Waiʻōhinu. An auction and fundraising campaign are underway. Photo by Cadence Feeley |
FUNDRAISING & ONLINE AUCTION BEGIN FOR HAWAIIAN IMMERSION SCHOOL: An online auction and fundraising campaign for $100,000 have been launched to create the first Hawaiian immersion school in Kaʻū in modern times. Supporters can learn more and make direct donations to by going to http://bit.ly/nakmfoundation. The school is called Nā ʻĀʻaliʻi Kū Makani 'O Kaʻū. The non-profit is Nā ʻAʻaliʻi Kū Makani Foundation. The location is in Waiʻōhinu at the old Shirakawa Hotel and former Lorilei Shirakawa hula studio and grounds.
Chief organizer of the immersion school development, Raylene Auli'i Fujikawa Moses, noted that the campus is provided by the Gary and Apolonia Stice ʻOhana Foundation, a 501C3 nonprofit. "They have since the beginning supported our vision and offered a space to be utilized for our mission." She said the $100,000 to be raised is planned for facilities compliance, curriculum development, staffing needs, keiki meals and program insurance.
The school is set to begin with a Pre-K program for ages three to four, expanding into additional grades each year. Fujikawa Moses explained the vision for the immersion school.
"A Hawaiian Immersion school is an educational institution where students learn primarily in the Hawaiian language, promoting both language fluency and cultural knowledge. These schools are part of a broader movement to revive and sustain Hawaiian language and culture after it faced significant decline in the 20th century. Students are immersed in Hawaiian from a young age, which enables them to think, speak, and interact in the language while also learning core subjects like math, science, and history through a Hawaiian cultural lens.
Chief organizer of the immersion school development, Raylene Auli'i Fujikawa Moses, noted that the campus is provided by the Gary and Apolonia Stice ʻOhana Foundation, a 501C3 nonprofit. "They have since the beginning supported our vision and offered a space to be utilized for our mission." She said the $100,000 to be raised is planned for facilities compliance, curriculum development, staffing needs, keiki meals and program insurance.
The school is set to begin with a Pre-K program for ages three to four, expanding into additional grades each year. Fujikawa Moses explained the vision for the immersion school.
"A Hawaiian Immersion school is an educational institution where students learn primarily in the Hawaiian language, promoting both language fluency and cultural knowledge. These schools are part of a broader movement to revive and sustain Hawaiian language and culture after it faced significant decline in the 20th century. Students are immersed in Hawaiian from a young age, which enables them to think, speak, and interact in the language while also learning core subjects like math, science, and history through a Hawaiian cultural lens.
"Hawaiian Immersion programs are spread across the Hawaiian islands, with schools such as Ke Kula 'o Nāwahīokalaniʻōpuʻu, Ke Kula Kaiapuni ʻo Ānuenue, and Ke Kula Kaiapuni ʻo Maui, among them, providing education from early childhood through high school.
"These programs are integral in cultivating a strong sense of identity and cultural pride, as well as preparing students for future success.Graduates of Hawaiian Immersion schools often go on to pursue higher education, including colleges in Hawai'i and on the mainland. Many find meaningful work in areas such as education, community leadership, conservation, and the arts. Their bilingual proficiency, coupled with a deep cultural foundation, uniquely positions them to contribute to fields that benefit from an understanding of Hawaiian values and traditions. This immersion experience not only strengthens the community but also sustains the Hawaiian language and culture for future generations."
Interested members of the public can visit the Kaʻū campus on Wednesdays at 10 a.m. and join in fundraising activities, including auction and operation of a thrift store. Fujikawa Moses said, "Welina mai! We accept and appreciate any kākoʻo!"
Supporters can go online to see the growing number of auction items at http://app.galabid.com/naaaliikumakani/. The auction itself will accept bids Nov. 22-25. Additional auction items are being accepted and already include a $500 stay at Mauna Kea Resort in an ocean facing room with breakfast; a Premium Golf Package for Four at Kohanaiki, two koa canoe paddles valued at $500, one of them a Hoe Wa'a for recreational paddling and the other a Steering Blade; a $300 Gift Card to the Hana Hou Hilo eclectic clothing and gift store; an Aly Dove Photo Session, a Sunrise or Sunset Photoshoot with Moments by Sara Louise; gift baskets from Punalu'u Bake Shop; bags of Rusty's Hawaiian Coffee, selections from KeAliʻi Malu Plants and Things; and many more items.
Purchased items can be picked up locally at the school on Dec. 7 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The organizers also invite everyone to join in for a celebration featuring Hawaiian music, plate lunches, and a visit to the thrift store, which is also a place to give and buy items to fundraise for the Hawaiian immersion school.The address is 95-6039 Māmalahoa Hwy. Nāʻālehu, Hī 96772.
A statement from the immersion school's lead parent fundraising advocates Cadence Feeley and Wai'ala Ahn says, "These donations are just a few of the many from our community, and we welcome additional contributions to help us reach our goal."
Those who would like to make tax-deductible donations can make them to the current fiscal sponsor ʻIewe Hānau o ka ʻĀina and designate the donation for Nā ʻAʻaliʻi Kū Makani Foundation, which is registered and incorporated in Hawai'i. Contact nakmfoundation@gmail.com or visit bit.ly/nakmfoundation.
"These programs are integral in cultivating a strong sense of identity and cultural pride, as well as preparing students for future success.Graduates of Hawaiian Immersion schools often go on to pursue higher education, including colleges in Hawai'i and on the mainland. Many find meaningful work in areas such as education, community leadership, conservation, and the arts. Their bilingual proficiency, coupled with a deep cultural foundation, uniquely positions them to contribute to fields that benefit from an understanding of Hawaiian values and traditions. This immersion experience not only strengthens the community but also sustains the Hawaiian language and culture for future generations."
Interested members of the public can visit the Kaʻū campus on Wednesdays at 10 a.m. and join in fundraising activities, including auction and operation of a thrift store. Fujikawa Moses said, "Welina mai! We accept and appreciate any kākoʻo!"
Supporters can go online to see the growing number of auction items at http://app.galabid.com/naaaliikumakani/. The auction itself will accept bids Nov. 22-25. Additional auction items are being accepted and already include a $500 stay at Mauna Kea Resort in an ocean facing room with breakfast; a Premium Golf Package for Four at Kohanaiki, two koa canoe paddles valued at $500, one of them a Hoe Wa'a for recreational paddling and the other a Steering Blade; a $300 Gift Card to the Hana Hou Hilo eclectic clothing and gift store; an Aly Dove Photo Session, a Sunrise or Sunset Photoshoot with Moments by Sara Louise; gift baskets from Punalu'u Bake Shop; bags of Rusty's Hawaiian Coffee, selections from KeAliʻi Malu Plants and Things; and many more items.
Purchased items can be picked up locally at the school on Dec. 7 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The organizers also invite everyone to join in for a celebration featuring Hawaiian music, plate lunches, and a visit to the thrift store, which is also a place to give and buy items to fundraise for the Hawaiian immersion school.The address is 95-6039 Māmalahoa Hwy. Nāʻālehu, Hī 96772.
A statement from the immersion school's lead parent fundraising advocates Cadence Feeley and Wai'ala Ahn says, "These donations are just a few of the many from our community, and we welcome additional contributions to help us reach our goal."
Those who would like to make tax-deductible donations can make them to the current fiscal sponsor ʻIewe Hānau o ka ʻĀina and designate the donation for Nā ʻAʻaliʻi Kū Makani Foundation, which is registered and incorporated in Hawai'i. Contact nakmfoundation@gmail.com or visit bit.ly/nakmfoundation.
SATURDAY IS THE FIRST HO'OLAULE'A FOR VOLCANO SCHOOL OF THE ARTS & Sciences. It's from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Entertainment will include: Uncle Dane and Friends, Huliau, VSAS Kanikapila Club and Jade Malia.
'Ono Food will include: Ricoʻs Tacos, Pizza ʻOno, Tubular Treats, Bubble Waffles, Lillipops, Krispy Kreme and Moloka'i Hot Bread.
Game Booths will include: Dunk Tank, Bottle Ring Toss, Putt Putt Golf Maze, Nene Pond, Bouncy House and Football Toss.
There will be Silent Auctions, Rummage Sale, Lei Making, Pūʻohe Making, Lauhala weaving, Plant Sale, Bake Sale and Face Painting.
All booths and games will accept scripts instead of cash or other payments.
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'UKULELE LESSONS FOLLOWED BY KANIKAPILA begin weekly this Saturday, Oct. 26 at 3 p.m. in the Ocean View Community Center downstairs. Lessons and Kanikapila will occur throughout the winter, says 'ukulele teacher Scott Taylor. Beginner lessons start at 3 p.m. followed by a Kanikapila around 3:30 p.m. until 5 p.m. All ages are welcome, but Taylor encourages children to bring their parent(s) or an adult friend. He also recommends bringing 'ukulele and a music stand to hold the paper songbooks. Donations are accepted for the song printing costs. Taylor says there in an emphasis not only on learning 'ukulele but also having fun.
Taylor, who summers in Anchorage, Alaska, is a member of the Alaskan Jumping Fleas Society, devoted to playing 'ukulele, with a number of the members performing at public venues. Taylor is the gig coordinator.
OV Community Center is located at 92-8924 Leilani Circle. Taylor is a 14-year ukulele player and teacher. For more info, call him at 907-350-7849. This activity is a branch of the 'ukulele lessons hosted by Woodley White of Na'alehu.
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| Scott Taylor, front right, announces beginning 'ukulele classes followed by kanikapila on Saturdays at Ocean View Community Center at 3 p.m. Photo from Scott Taylor |
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See upcoming events, print edition and archive at kaunews.com.
THE LAST FOOTBALL GAME OF THE YEAR for the Kaʻū High Trojans is Saturday, Oct. 26 on home field starting at 1 p.m. Trojans again face Honoka'a, which took the win 64-32 on Sept. 20.
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