What is the Office of Hawaiian Education (OHE)? In February 2015, the Office of Hawaiian Education (OHE) was established under the Office of the Superintendent in the Hawaiʻi Department of Education (HIDOE) to support Hawaiian Studies and Ka Papahana Kaiapuni (Hawaiian language immersion). Additionally, OHE has been charged with overseeing a 3-year pilot of HĀ to develop a statewide implementation plan by February 2019. Learn more about OHE here.
What is HĀ? HĀ is a system-wide framework including six outcomes – Belonging, Responsibility, Excellence, Aloha, Total well-being and Hawaiʻi (“BREATH”) – to be strengthened in ourselves, our students and our communities. The outcomes are firmly rooted in Hawaiʻi and honor the qualities and values of the indigenous language and culture of our island home while also being inclusive of universal values that speak to all cultures. Educating students in an environment of HĀ will add value to and strengthen each and every person who engages over the course of their continuous learning journey. HIDOE educators, staff, and systems should be models of behaviors, approaches and processes that direct students to what these outcomes might look like in practice.
Why Waimea, Hawai'i? We chose the beautiful up-country town of Waimea on the island of Hawai'i for the third HĀ summit because there has been strong school and community support for HĀ in the area. The members of the HĀ Summit working group, huakaʻi sites, food providers, funders, and site hosts have worked diligently in building strong relationships with the schools in the area and OHE and are excited to share and partner with us on the HĀ Summit to highlight the strengths of the region and the story of their "wai". This is an excellent opportunity to help shift the narrative around public school education and share the powerful stories of BREATH so we can collectively highlight the people and places that lift up our communities and public education system.
Will there be support for HIDOE teachers to attend ? OHE will provide funds for a substitute teacher for April 5, 2019. Also, OHE will provide air, ground transportation, and dorm/cabin accommodations for off-island HIDOE teachers. Please CLICK HERE for more information about neighbor island participants.
What are options for students under 18 to participate? Students under 18 must receive permission from their parent/legal guardian by completing the Parent/Legal Guardian Authorization for Student Participation and Travel Form (Form SA-1) and be accompanied by an adult chaperone. Once registration is complete, the form will be emailed to the student and their parent/legal guardian to complete by February 16, 2019. Students must also receive permission from appropriate school staff to be off-campus on April 5, 2019. Students will then participate in all HĀ Summit activities as a regular participant.
How do I prepare for the Summit? ‘A‘ohe ‘ulu e loa‘a i ka pōkole o ka lou (There is no success without preparation). In order to make the most of the summit, please review the details included on the website and get familiar with the HĀ framework and the Moʻolelo of HĀ. Check out the Agenda to make sure that you are able to participate in all activities.
What do I bring to the event? Most importantly, come with an open mind and flexible attitude. While there is a planned agenda, we will go with the flow as needed particularly for the huakaʻi, which are weather dependent. Be ready to contribute to creating a HĀwesome day!
Food:On April 5th, we will provide breakfast from 8 - 9 am at Mana Christian ʻOhana and lunch at your huakaʻi sites. Breakfast will be served from 8:15 - 9 am on April 6 and lunch from 12 - 12:45 pm at Mana Christian ʻOhana. Please bring any extra snacks you will need for the day.
Clothes: On April 5th, you should wear clothes to get dirty in that are comfortable and breathable such as t-shirts and board shorts (swimsuit optional) for the huakaʻi. Also bring a change of clothing, towel, hat, sun glasses, sunscreen and bug repellant that are environmentally friendly, slippers and shoes that are comfortable to walk in and can get muddy and wet such as tabis or old athletic shoes. In case of wet or cool weather, a rain jacket and/or long sleeve clothing options also recommended. For March 10, dress is casual.
Protocol for huakaʻi on April 5th:Each site has a different protocol related to that place and experience so be ready to follow the lead of the kiaʻi or alakaʻi of the place. If you feel it is appropriate for you, you may choose to bring a makana (gift), an oli (chant), or mele (song) to share with the kiaʻi (caretakers)/alakaʻi (lead guide) and the ʻāina of your huakaʻi site. Most importantly, bring an open mind, curiosity and aloha.
What are my transportation/parking options for getting to and from the event? There is ample parking at Mana Christian ʻOhana and Waimea Middle Public Conversion Charter School. Registration and breakfast will be at Mana Christian ʻOhana. For neighbor island participants, review the neighbor island info for more information.
How do I register? Registration is open now until January 31, 2019. Click here to register. Registration is on a first come, first serve so please register early to secure your slot!