Keali'i Reichel (below), Holunape and others will make musical magic to benefit learners of Hawai'i's first language, like these keiki from Pūnana Leo o Kawaiaha'o. - Photo: Blaine Fergerstrom

Ho'omau concert to benefit
Hawaiian immersion on O'ahu

By Sterling Wong / OHA Native Rights Hale

Mark your calendar for Feb. 15, when thousands of Hawaiian language supporters will descend upon Waikīkī Shell for Ho'omau 2009, a concert benefiting O'ahu's 11 Hawaiian immersion schools

Sponsored by Kamehameha Schools, this year's concert will feature performances by Keali'i Reichel, Sudden Rush, Waipuna, Kūpaoa, Holunape, 'Ike Pono and the keiki of the participating schools.

The theme of this year's concert is "I maika'i ke kalo i ka 'ohā," which means "the quality of the taro is judged by the young fruit it produces."

In the last 20 years, the Hawaiian language education movement on O'ahu has made great strides, despite a shortage of funds. The first Hawaiian immersion school on O'ahu, Pūnana Leo o Honolulu Preschool, opened its doors in 1985, and last year's Class of 2008 marked the 10th high school graduating class.

Keali'i Reichel will make musical magic to benefit learners of Hawai'i's first language. - Photo: Courtesy of Randy J. Braun

All proceeds from Ho'omau are divided among O'ahu's 11 immersion schools, which combined serve nearly 1,000 students from preschool to the 12th grade. Each immersion school's curriculum is taught completely in the native language of Hawai'i. The ultimate goal of all of these schools is to preserve this once-nearly extinct language by creating new generations of native speakers.

Immersion schools have unique needs that require more funding than conventional English schools. Among other things, they need to create curricula that are appropriate for an immersion environment, translate or develop Hawaiian textbooks and provide for teacher training and development.

Pre-concert tickets are available at the Neal Blaisdell Center box office. Call 591-2211. Pre-concert tickets are $8 for keiki ages 5 to 8, and $15-$18 for adults. Tickets the day of concert are $10 for keiki ages 5 to 8; $17 for grass, $20 for reserved. Keiki 4 years old and under are free.

For more information about Ho'omau, call Kau'i Keola at (808) 551-3631.