Meeting Time:
March 19, 2026 at 9:00am HST
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To: Maui County Council
Committee: Kōmike Aloha ʻĀina
Agenda Item: KAʻĀ-1(5) – Maui County’s Transition to a Bilingual Government
Date: March 19, 2026
Aloha Chair and Members of the Committee,
My name is Kahiau Kaopuiki Santos. I am an 11th-grade student submitting testimony on Agenda Item KAʻĀ-1(5), Maui County’s transition to a bilingual government.
I support continued discussion about making Maui County an aupuni ʻōlelo pālua, a bilingual government that recognizes both English and ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi in government services and communication.
I attended Hawaiian immersion in elementary school, where I learned through ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi. That experience helped me feel more connected to our moʻomeheu and the language of our kūpuna. Because of that background, seeing ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi used in government spaces is meaningful to me and to other students who grew up learning the language.
ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi is the original language of this place and an important part of Hawaiʻi’s history and identity. Using it more in government helps support the language and shows that it still has an important place in our community today.
Moving toward a bilingual government can help more people see and hear ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi in everyday life. It can also show respect for our kūpuna's culture and knowledge. As the County continues to discuss this transition, I encourage thoughtful planning and collaboration with educators and the community to ensure it is done in a meaningful way.
Mahalo to the Committee for discussing this important topic and for supporting ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi.
E ola mau ka ‘ōlelo Hawaiʻi.
ʻO wau iho nō me ka haʻahaʻa,
Kahiau Kaopuiki Santos