Nogelmeier to Speak on Hawaiian Newspaper Project

Puakea Nogelmeier, courtesy photo.

By Wendy Osher

Acclaimed songwriter, Kumu Hula, and UH Manoa Professor of Language, Puakea Nogelmeier will visit Maui to discuss the Hawaiian Language Newspaper project known as ‘Ike Ku’oko’a.

The project aims to convert 116 years of Hawaiian language newspapers to digital searchable online files. It is among the projects overseen by Awaiaulu, an educational organization headed by Nogelmeier, that makes Hawaiian historical resources available to students and historians.

The presentation will be hosted by the Maui Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday, Feb. 12 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Maui Tropical Plantation.

Ike Kūʻokoʻa — Liberating Knowledge, courtesy image.

Thousands of Hawaiian language newspaper articles were transcribed into word-processing text for the project through the work of hundreds of volunteers last year. These digitized searchable files will all be uploaded on public databases including OHA’s Papakilo Database as part of the ‘Ike Ku’oko’a, the Hawaiian Language Newspaper Initiative.

The project will become the largest collection of native language literature in the western world. The 60,000-page repository of native Hawaiian knowledge includes opinion pieces, vital statistics, customs and historical fragments from the monarchy to territory days.

Ike Kūʻokoʻa — Liberating Knowledge, courtesy image.

To attend the Feb. 12 meeting, interested individuals are asked to RSVP by Feb. 9 to Kai Pelayo, 874-2426 or via email at [email protected].

The public is invited to attend and the cost is $20 with dinner.

Maui Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce is organized to promote and sustain the Hawaiian culture, nurturing a strong community of Hawaiian values and to enhance opportunities for success in business and education.

Each month members convene to hear community and state leaders report on important topics that affect business on Maui, and promote Hawaiian values that build community.