Posted on: Saturday, April 23, 2005

Teens in Hawaiian language skills test

By Treena Shapiro
Advertiser Education Writer

High schoolers studying Hawaiian will be showing off their skills at the First Annual Aloha Festivals Hawaiian Language competition at Pearlridge Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today.

For Kahealani Chang, a freshman at Kailua High School, the contest gave her the opportunity to write about a language she has studied since she was a kindergartner in an immersion school. "It means a lot to me because Hawaiian is something I cherish and something I should know because it's my culture," she said. "It's important to know who you are and where you come from.

Two contestants from each participating school have submitted a mo'olelo, or story, in both Hawaiian and English. Today they will recite the pieces before a panel of judges fluent in Hawaiian. The criteria include fluency, pronunciation, readiness, accuracy, facial expressions and acting, clarity of the Aloha Festivals theme, time limit and written ability.

Chang said after years of performing chants and dances, she feels pretty confident getting up in front of a crowd at the mall.

Kalaiaupuni Kanahele, Kailua High's varsity competitor, also has an immersion background. He is not as familiar with performing, but says he is not nervous about delivering his speech.

Winners will be selected from two categories — junior varsity, grades nine and 10, and varsity, grades 11 and 12. Winners receive $500 in cash, $250 in Pearlridge gift certificates and a spot in the 2005 Aloha Festivals magazine.

Reach Treena Shapiro at tshapiro@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8014.