Hawai‘i Language Matters in The Green Room

Friday, February 19, 2016 at Maui Arts & Cultural Center, McCoy Studio Theater

where will meanings be

when the words are forgotten

— W.S. Merwin

The Merwin Conservancy proudly announced the first Green Room event of 2016 inviting the community to an evening celebrating the mana of a living Hawaiian language and examining the importance of preserving languages around the world.

“Hawai‘i: Language Matters” included mele from Nā Keiki Pūnana Leo o Maui; a screening of the Hawaiʻi segment of the documentary, Language Matters with Bob Holman; and a panel discussion featuring Bob Holman (the film’s host), with several of the film’s participants participating alongside local Hawaiian language advocates. Panelists included: Dr. Puakea Nogelmeier, Kepā Maly, Kealiʻi Reichel, Kī‘ope Raymond, Leilei Ishikawa, and Kaimana Brummel. The film’s acclaimed director David Grubin moderated the panel.

The film Language Matters with Bob Holman features people and cultures from Australia, Wales, and Hawai‘i, asking what we lose when languages die and how we can save them. The Hawai‘i segment of the documentary takes a close look at the Pūnana Leo Movement, discussing with its founding members their efforts to save the Hawaiian language for future generations.

Generously presented by FIM Group. 

Photos by Bryan Berkowitz