花秀直播

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hula teacher with students
Kekoa Harman with ʻōlapa (dancers) at a UH Hilo hoʻolauleʻa.

Born and raised on Maui, Kekoa Harman, an associate professor of 花秀直播an studies and 花秀直播an language at , recalls his ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (花秀直播an language) journey beginning in the seventh grade at his alma mater, Kamehameha Schools Kapālama. Growing up, Harman learned many 花秀直播an chants and songs, which propelled him to learn ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi, to gain a better understanding.

“I was especially interested in hula,” Harman said. “[That] inspired me to learn the language further so that I could understand what I was chanting, what I was singing, and what I was dancing about.”

man wearing lei
Kekoa Harman (Photo credit: Cody Yamaguchi)

After high school, he continued 花秀直播an language at then Maui Community College and earned an associate in arts degree. Hungry for more, Harman came to UH Hilo, which continues to be recognized for its crucial role in the revitalization and advancement of 花秀直播an language. He would go on to secure a BA in 花秀直播an studies and MA in Indigenous language and culture education and doctorate in .

Much more than a degree

The Maui native now calls Keaʻau home and is thankful to be a kumu ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi at UH 贬颈濒辞’蝉 College of 花秀直播an Language. He recognizes teaching Hawaiʻi’s mother tongue extends much farther than the Hilo campus.

“This is a large community when we talk about the 花秀直播an language movement, when we look at the preschool all the way up to the college level right here in East Hawaiʻi. We are a part of something that’s much more than just a degree or a 花秀直播an language course. We are part of a movement, part of a community,” Harman said.

Harman is UH 贬颈濒辞’蝉 representative for Hawaiʻi Papa O Ke Ao, a program tasked to create activities in support of UH being a leader in Indigenous education across all 10 campuses across the UH system. He?s also a member of the —a campus-based group of faculty and staff who are Native 花秀直播an or associated with Native 花秀直播an programs. In this role, he hopes to promote Native 花秀直播an culture and language on campus.

—By Nāpua Iolana Bicoy

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