HomeMy WebLinkAboutNR112718MayorCarvalhosignsMOUtosupportNiihaulanguagepreservationBERNARD P. CARVALHO JR.
Mayor
COUNTY OF KAUA'I
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
News Release
For Immediate Release: November 27, 2018
WALLACE G. REZENTES JR.
Managing Director
SARAH BLANE, CHIEF OF STAFF
Tel (808) 241-4900
Fax (808) 241-6877
Mayor Carvalho signs MOU to support Niihau language preservation
LIHU`E — Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. has signed a Memorandum of Understanding
(MOU) between the County of Kaua'i and the Malie Foundation to facilitate the support of the
preservation of the Niihau language.
"I am very excited about this agreement because with each generation, the Niihau
language is becoming more and more at risk of extinction," said Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr.
"The only native speakers of Hawaiian remaining are living on Niihau and on the west side
towns of Kauai, with a few families in Anahola."
Through this MOU, the County of Kauai agrees to provide support to the Malie
Foundation and their experts to locate and secure funding for projects that will help with the
support of preserving the Niihau language.
In addition, the Malie Foundation and their experts agree to formulate programs and
initiatives such as a school curriculum, workshops, educational tools, and provide support for
Niihau people as Manaleo and community members. The Malie Foundation will also advise the
county regarding innovative ideas to preserve the Niihau language.
"With approximately 300 native speakers of Hawaiian left in the world, it is in the best
interest of all to support the revitalization and normalization of olelo Kanaka," continued Mayor
Carvalho. "I'm proud to support this initiative which could set a global precedence in language
revitalization all around the world."
From left to right: Malie Foundation's Kahanu Smith, Niihau Manaleo Kuuipolani Kanahele
Wong, County of Kauai Economic Development Specialist Nalani Brun, Niihau Manaleo Kahea
Kaohelaulii Faria, and Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. Missing in photo is Niihau Manaleo Leiana
Pahulehua.