Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency

HI-EMA CELEBRATES HAWAIIAN LANGUAGE WITH MAHINA ʻŌLELO HAWAIʻI IN FEBRUARY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 16, 2024

HONOLULU  ̶  The beautiful and vibrant Hawaiian language is being celebrated throughout the month of February in Hawaiʻi. Hawaiian Word of the Day – Celebrating Mahina ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, is a special project intiated by the Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA), which aims to promote and preserve the rich heritage of the Hawaiian language while emphasizing its relevance to emergency preparedness.

Administrator James Barros, highlights the importance of raising awareness about the responsibility of being prepared for emergencies. “We want to ensure that our kamaʻāina and visitors understand the significance of readiness for any emergency,” said Barros. “Through Mahina ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, we have carefully chosen Hawaiian words that highlight awareness and preparedness.”

Since February 1, HI-EMA has been running the Hawaiian Word of the Day campaign on its official Twitter account (@HI_EMA), Facebook page (facebook.com/HawaiiEma), and the HI-EMA website (www.ready.hawaii.gov). This campaign aims to educate the public about essential words that everyone should be familiar with in case of an emergency. The staff of HI-EMA actively participates in this initiative, demonstrating its commitment to the well-being of the community.

The featured words so far have included “kuleana,” shared by Jacob Bateman, which signifies responding to, mitigating, and recovering from disasters and emergencies. “Hānaiāhuhu,” spokesdog Gimli’s feature, focuses on pet preparedness. “Last Thursday, Niea Gardner defined “ōlai,” meaning earthquake,” Barros added. “Coincidentally, on Friday, a 5.7 magnitude earthquake struck the Big Island, emphasizing the immediate nature of preparedness. Emergencies can occur unexpectedly, and we must always be ready.”

The Mahina ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi campaign will continue throughout February, with HI-EMA inviting the public to access the daily word on Twitter or Facebook. Visit ready.hawaii.gov to explore the series. HI-EMA encourages everyone to share the proud heritage of the Hawaiian language with friends and family.

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Media Contact:

Kīelekū Amundson
Communications Director
Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency
Phone: 808-733-4300 Ext 522
Email: [email protected]