How Do You Say "Fair" in Hawaiian?

Overview

• Event: E. K. Fernandez 50th State Fair introduces Hawaiian Language Night.
• Location: Fairgrounds near Aloha Stadium.
• Date: July 2, 2018.
• Reporter: Ku'uwehi Hiraishi.

Hawaiian Language Night

• Purpose: Introduce Hawaiian language into a public event setting beyond the classroom.
• Implementation:
  • All signage, rides, games, and interactions were conducted in Hawaiian.
  • Volunteers greeted attendees with Hawaiian phrases.
• Significance:
  • First-ever integration of Hawaiian language at a major fair event, highlighting cultural preservation and awareness.

Participation and Attendance

• Free Entry:
  • Offered to the first 4,000 attendees who requested tickets in Hawaiian.
  • Phrase used: "I likiki kaniwala na'u ke 'olu'olu" ("May I please have a carnival ticket?").
• Participants:
  • Over 250 Hawaiian-speaking volunteers ran the event.
  • Estimated 4,000 attendees participated.

Organizers and Contributors

• Collaboration:
  • E. K. Fernandez partnered with the state's Department of Education's Office of Hawaiian Education.
  • Kalehua Krug, education specialist, emphasized the event's role in showing students that Hawaiian can be spoken outside of school.

Volunteer and Community Involvement

• Volunteer Highlight:
  • Kaleialoha Kani’aupio-Crozier, a Hawaiian language immersion teacher, volunteered to run the Water Game.
  • Importance: Showed the thriving nature of the Hawaiian language community.

Impact and Future Prospects

• Community Response:
  • Positive reception with expectations exceeded in terms of turnout and engagement.
  • Demonstrated the viability and enthusiasm for Hawaiian language in public events.
• Future Goals:
  • Organizers hope to make such events more regular, encouraging the use of Hawaiian outside educational settings.