Parent Group to Host Fundraiser for Hawaiian Immersion Schools

Nā Leo Kālele, a Kula Kaiapuni o Lahaina parent group, will be hosting their 4th annual Hoʻoulu event to raise money for all Hawaiian immersion schools in Lahaina. The event will be held on Saturday, Sept. 29 at the Lahaina Gateway Shopping Center from 4 to 9 p.m.

“Educating our keiki through the medium of Hawaiian language has been the best choice and commitment we have made as a family. We understand the importance of preserving our language,” Kaiapuni parent Maka Kanekoa said. “It is our kuleana to do all that we can to ensure that our ʻōlelo makuahine never dies. If our language dies, so does our culture, therefore, so do we as kanaka maoli.”

All proceeds from the event will benefit Nā Kula Kaiapuni o Lahaina Hawaiian immersion schools, which include Ke Kula Kaiapuni o Nāhiʻenaʻena, Ke Kula Kaiapuni o Lahaina and Ke Kula Kaiapuni o Lahainaluna.

The event will feature food, a keiki zone, local vendors, a rummage sale, and a silent auction. There will also be live entertainment by nā keiki kaiapuni o Lahaina, Maleko Lorenzo & Friends, Pono Murray & Leipono, Leohone, Kūikawā, and others.

Leilei Ishikawa is a Kaiapuni parent and former Kaiapuni graduate who said Kula Kaiapuni is the pathway to ensure that Hawaiian language, values, and mentality survives in this modern time. “We cannot expect our children to carry this burden alone,” Ishikawa said. “We must do everything we can to support our children as they continue on this path to ensure the preservation of Hawaiʻi; the ʻāina, the ʻōlelo, the lāhui. No kuʻu lāhui e hāʻawi pau a i ola mau.”

“At Kula Kaiapuni, cultural seeds of enlightenment are planted everyday through the traditions and customs based on our Hawaiian language,” Kumu Kau‘i Spitalsky said.

Pre-sale tickets are $5 and will be $7 at the door. Children five years old and younger will receive free admission. Pre-sale tickets can be purchased by contacting (808) 987-6735.