Ka Huli Ao Center for Excellence in Native Hawaiian hosted an ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi Pau Hana on February 25, 2021 via Zoom. To conclude mahina ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language month), the panel not only provided a forum for ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi, but also sought to increase awareness for individuals who might be interested in law school. 

The pau hana was moderated by Post-J.D. Fellow, Sabrina Kamakakaulani Gramberg, and featured current student panelists Palakiko Chandler, Devin Kamealoha Forrest, and Kaulu Luʻuwai, and alumni, Luʻukia Nakanelua ’19.

With over 20 attendees, the panel was conducted entirely ma ka ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi – in Hawaiian – and includes individuals from the two colleges of ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi: UH Mānoa’s Kawaihuelani Center for Hawaiian Language and UH Hilo’s Ka Haka ʻUla O Keʻelikōlani.  Questions centered around the panelists’ backgrounds in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi, how a foundation in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi benefits them in law school/legal career, and how their experiences in law school have shaped and contributed to their identity as Kānaka Maoli. This led to great discussion about how a foundation in ʻōlelo has helped to inform and shape the lens through which they harness the law to advocate for Native Hawaiian rights. 

Ka Huli Ao was thrilled to have a panelist from each class as well as an alumni which speaks to the increasing level of engagement amongst Kānaka Maoli pursuing law!  Mahalo nui to our panelists, co-host Native Hawaiian Student Services, and attendees. 

E ola ka ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi!