UH-Hilo to confer first master's in Hawaiian

By Hugh Clark
Advertiser Big Island Bureau

HILO, Hawai'i — Hiapo Perreira of O'ahu will become the first person to graduate from the University of Hawai'i-Hilo with a master's degree in Hawaiian language and literature.

Perreira and others will receive undergraduate or graduate degrees during commencement at 9 a.m. on May 18 at the UHH Athletics Complex.

An assistant professor in Hawaiian language and literature at the Ka Haka 'Ula O Ke'elikolani College of Hawaiian Language, Perreira wrote his 438-page thesis in Hawaiian. The program is the first in the country to offer a master's degree in a native language, officials said.

Eighty Native Hawaiians will be among the 337 students receiving their bachelor degrees in a variety of subjects, officials said.

"This has been a milestone year in academics for the Hawaiian community and the Hawaiian student service programs," said Kalani Makekau-Whittaker, coordinator of the UHH Native Hawaiian support program.

The ceremony also will feature UH President Evan Dobelle, the first head of the state university system to speak at a UHH commencement. The student speaker is Joseph Watts, who plans to teach in the Hilo area. Honolulu banking executive Wayne Miyao, who was chosen a distinguished alumnus of UHH this year, also will offer encouragement to the graduates.

Correction: Hiapo Perreira of O'ahu will become the first person to graduate from the University of Hawai'i-Hilo with a master's degree in Hawaiian language and literature. He is an assistant professor in Hawaiian language and literature at UH-Hilo. Information in a previous version of this story was incorrect.