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.
How do I prepare for a Community Day? ‘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 community day, please review the details included on the website and get familiar with the HĀ framework and the Moʻolelo of HĀ.
What should I bring to a community day? 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!
Clothes: Usually participants wear clothes that can get dirty and that they are comfortable in such as t-shirts and board shorts for the huakaʻi. It's always a good idea to 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. Dress is casual.
Protocol for huakaʻiEach 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.