ELEVATING HAWAIIAN LANGUAGE AND PLACE NAMES earned Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park's Visual Information Specialist Michael Newman the Excellence in Interpretation Award, a top National Park Service honor that he recently received in Washington, D.C. In addition to his use of ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language) and Hawaiian place names, Newman produced several innovative digital products.
Newman said that "Native Hawaiians have named places throughout the islands for centuries, but many Inoa Wahi (place names) were erased by western colonization." He said the traditional names "reflect the rich cultural history and identity of native Hawaiians while preserving stories and land descriptions. As you share these names with other you begin to perceive that place through that native lens, fostering a deeper connection."
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| Michael Newman, Visual Information Specialist at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, receives an Excellence in Interpretation Award in Washington, D.C. for his work to educate the public in Hawaiian language and place names. NPS photo |
Newman's productions include:
A story map of Hawaiian place names at Kīlauea summit, https://www.nps.gov/maps/stories/the-language-of-the-land.html;
Hawaiian place names pronunciation web page for Hawaiʻi Volcanoes that also includes place names at other national parks in Hawai'i, https://www.nps.gov/locations/hawaii/pronunciation-of-place-names.htm;
A Hawaiian language web page, https://www.nps.gov/havo/learn/historyculture/olelo-hawaii.htm;
Cultural videos. These products were produced under Newman's leadership in collaboration with other parks, employees, and in consultation with park kūpuna (elders) consultation group,
https://www.nps.gov/havo/learn/historyculture/ike-hana-noeau-film.htm.
A Park statement says, "Michael's work exemplifies the Hawaiian proverb Ma ka hana ka ʻike – knowledge is acquired by doing. Through hands-on dedication, he has made Hawaiian culture available to a wide audience with innovative digital projects."
Newman said he extends a big mahalo to Bobby Camara, Noah Gomes, the Kūpuna Consultation Group, and park staff for their "incredible support throughout these projects."
A story map of Hawaiian place names at Kīlauea summit, https://www.nps.gov/maps/stories/the-language-of-the-land.html;
Hawaiian place names pronunciation web page for Hawaiʻi Volcanoes that also includes place names at other national parks in Hawai'i, https://www.nps.gov/locations/hawaii/pronunciation-of-place-names.htm;
A Hawaiian language web page, https://www.nps.gov/havo/learn/historyculture/olelo-hawaii.htm;
Cultural videos. These products were produced under Newman's leadership in collaboration with other parks, employees, and in consultation with park kūpuna (elders) consultation group,
https://www.nps.gov/havo/learn/historyculture/ike-hana-noeau-film.htm.
A Park statement says, "Michael's work exemplifies the Hawaiian proverb Ma ka hana ka ʻike – knowledge is acquired by doing. Through hands-on dedication, he has made Hawaiian culture available to a wide audience with innovative digital projects."
Newman said he extends a big mahalo to Bobby Camara, Noah Gomes, the Kūpuna Consultation Group, and park staff for their "incredible support throughout these projects."
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The venue is the grounds of the old Shirakawa Hotel in the former hula studio of Lorie Lei Shirakawa. This would be the first Hawaiian immersion school in modern times.
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| Comet, Venus and the Milky Way as seen in Volcano on Sunday evening. NPS photo by Janice Wei |
ATLAS COMET AND SHOOTING STARS ARE STILL VISIBLE FROM ORIONID METEOR SHOWER through this week. With the full moon over, the spectacle may be more visible in the Kaʻū night skies but increasingly require binoculars. By Oct. 26, a telescope could be required. This image was taken Sunday evening by Janice Wei, photographer at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park at the summit of Kīlauea. The photo also captures Venus setting and the Milky Way. ‘Ōhiʻa trees contribute their silhouette,
Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park rangers report that "the comet is faint at first to the naked eye but be patient and let your eyes adjust. Look to the west, after sunset. If you find Venus, look above it."
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