March 18, 2003
Contributed by Kekoa Paulsen
Kamehameha has donated 30 sets of the Kulaiwi Hawaiian Language series to the Hawaii State Public Library System for loan placement in branches statewide. The videotapes, featuring Leeward Community College Hawaiian language instructor Ekela Kaniaupio-Crozier, include 24 one-hour segments. The Kulaiwi Hawaiian Language series, produced through a partnership between Kamehameha Schools and the state Department of Education, is also available through educational access television and on Kamehameha's Web site at www.ksbe.edu. "People from around the globe have called or e-mailed us, requesting tapes, asking questions of Ekela, or just commenting how much they like the series and the opportunity to learn Hawaiian in a self-paced manner," said Henry Meyer, director of Kamehameha's Distance Learning Department. "There are many good things to be said about all aspects of the series, but the bottom line is that Ekela is a marvelous teacher." Kamehameha Schools is also donating a total of 290 books, published by the Kamehameha Schools Press, on Hawaiian history and culture to the Hawaii Department of Public Safety for use in correctional facility libraries. The 27 different titles include Life in Early Hawaii: The Ahupuaa; Kamehameha and his Warrior Kekuhaupio; and Ruling Chiefs of Hawaii. The books have a retail value of more than $3,300. "Kamehameha Schools recognizes the sad fact that many of those incarcerated within our jails and prisons are of Hawaiian descent," said Henry Bennett, director of the Kamehameha Schools Press. "These publications will support existing educational programs within the Hawaii Department of Public Safety facilities. The hope is that offering inmates an opportunity to focus on Hawaiian culture and traditional Hawaiian values will help these individuals find new interests and new directions for their lives." Lt. Gov. Duke Aiona, who accepted the book donation on behalf of the Department of Public Safety, echoed concerns about Native Hawaiians behind bars. "It's mind-boggling to know that 40 percent of the total prison population is made up of Hawaiian or part-Hawaiian inmates," he said. "They are definitely over-represented, and education is a key factor to successful rehabilitation. "Learning about Hawaiian culture is so important because it makes a positive impact on values like pride and a sense of community. Culture links us to the heritage passed on by our kupuna. We truly appreciate Kamehameha Schools' generosity. This is the kind of investment that helps set a solid foundation for strengthening families and building better communities." Kamehameha Schools is a statewide educational system founded and endowed by the legacy of Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop, comprising three campuses on three islands and more than 30 preschool sites throughout the state of Hawaii. Nearly 4,900 preschool through grade 12 students of Hawaiian ancestry are currently enrolled. Through a range of outreach programs and financial aid opportunities, Kamehameha extends its educational reach and resources to meet the needs of thousands of other Hawaiian learners not served within its classrooms.
Kamehameha Schools’ policy is to give preference to applicants of Hawaiian ancestry to the extent permitted by law.
