At UH Hilo, ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi is not simply a subject taught in classrooms, it is a living language that connects us to this place, to one another, and to the generations who came before us.

This column is by Pelehonuamea Harman, director of Native Hawaiian engagement at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo. In her columns, Pele shares Native Hawaiian protocols on the use of ōlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language), cultural traditions, traditional ways of Indigenous learning, and more. This column is on Mahina ʻOlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian Language Month), celebrated every February to honor the Hawaiian language.

Each year, the month of Pepeluali marks Mahina ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, a time dedicated to celebrating and uplifting the Hawaiian language. At the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi is not simply a subject taught in classrooms, it is a living language that connects us to this place, to one another, and to the generations who came before us.

While Pepeluali gives us a focused moment of celebration, the Hawaiian language should not live only within a single month. ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi thrives when it is used every day.

One of the simplest and most meaningful ways to begin is by pronouncing the words we already encounter daily with accuracy and care. Hawaiian is an oral language carried through voice and relationship. When we take the time to say words correctly, we demonstrate respect for the language and for the poʻe (people) who have worked tirelessly to ensure its survival.

Across our own campus, we have opportunities to do this every day.

Let us honor the names of our places by using them fully:

Kanakaʻole Hall, not “K-Hall.” (Formally Edith Kanakaʻole Hall, named after our beloved kumu.)

Waiʻōlino, not “CoBE,” for our College of Business and Economics. (Formally Hānau ʻO Waiʻōlino; waiʻōlino literally means sparkling waters, alluding here to bringing forth waters of wellbeing and prosperity.)

These names are not merely labels for buildings. They carry ʻike (knowledge), history, and meaning. Speaking them in their entirety acknowledges the stories and values embedded within them.

Using ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi does not require fluency. It simply requires willingness. Each of us already knows words we can begin using more intentionally.

Greet one another with aloha.

Express gratitude with mahalo whenever possible.

Small choices like these help normalize Hawaiian language in our daily interactions and strengthen UH Hilo’s identity as a place grounded in Hawaiʻi.

One of the most common questions I am asked is: How do you respond in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi when someone says “mahalo” to you?

Here are three simple and appropriate responses:

ʻAʻole pilikia — It’s no problem.

He mea iki — It is just a little thing.

Noʻu ka hauʻoli — The pleasure is mine.

There is no single correct answer. What matters most is participating in the exchange and allowing the language to live through conversation.

UH Hilo holds a unique and important role as Hawaiʻi Island’s university. Our commitment to Native Hawaiian success and place-based education calls on all of us to help create an environment where ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi is visible, audible, and welcomed.

You do not need to wait until you feel ready. You do not need to know many words. The language grows stronger each time it is spoken.

So during Mahina ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi and throughout the entire year I encourage the UH Hilo ʻohana to:

• Use the Hawaiian words you already know.
• Pronounce names and places with intention and care.
• Greet others with aloha.
• Share mahalo often.

Because when we use ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi, we are doing more than speaking words, we are helping to perpetuate and uplift the native language of our home.

E ola ka ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi.
Let the Hawaiian language live.

In HNN’s new livestream show “Covering the Cost with Annalisa Burgos,” we break down the numbers behind Hawaii’s affordability crisis in candid conversations with financial experts, entrepreneurs and community leaders.

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Coming up on today’s episode at 12:30 p.m. Hawaii time, Annalisa Burgos talks with the state Dept. of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) Deputy Director Dean Hazama about the cost of consumer fraud and how residents can protect themselves against deceptive business practices.

“At DCCA, consumer protection is not just enforcement. It’s education, outreach, and prevention,” Hazama said. “Our goal is to ensure that residents, businesses, and especially vulnerable communities have the tools they need to make informed decisions. We believe the best defense against fraud is awareness, access to information, and responsive government services.”

Hazama says the DCCA aims to be proactive, rather than reactive, by focusing on outreach and partnering with community organizations, industry groups, and other state and federal agencies to share consumer protection information.

Topics include:

• Scam prevention and fraud awareness
• Identity theft protection
• Financial literacy
• Disaster-related scams
• Understanding consumer rights under Hawaii law

National Consumer Protection Week is on March 1-7, and DCCA is hosting its annual 21^st annual Consumer Protection Fair on March 5 from 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at the Hawaii State Capitol, 4th Floor Lanai.

DCCA divisions and partner agencies will be available to answer questions, including AARP, BBB, FBI, Social Security, IRS, Red Cross, etc. and City and County and other state agencies.

Military service members and their families are also often targeted by scams that specifically exploit their military benefits or relocation situations.

The DCCA Military Consumer Guide is designed to help service members and their families make informed financial decisions, increase their awareness of local laws and available resources, and reduce financial stress during transitions.

“Hawaii is home to approximately 44,000 active duty service members and 5,500 National Guard personnel. Many military families experience frequent relocations, deployments, and permanent changes of station,” Hazama explained.

The DCCA says it’s also undergoing its IT Modernization Initiative, which focuses on accessibility, efficiency, and transparency through a redesigned website with improved navigation tools and eventually an AI-assisted customer support chatbot

Residents can also call a centralized call center at its new dedicated department-wide number: 1-844-808-DCCA (3222).

Hazama says this allows the DCCA to better track inquiries through a case management system and reduce missed or lost calls. Because cases remain active until resolved, it aims to improve accountability and responsiveness.

The DCCA also offers post-storm consumer guidance and insurance support.

“Following the recent high winds and heavy rain, DCCA’s Insurance Division issued a reminder to residents about how to protect their property and navigate the insurance claims process,” Hazama said.

“Natural disasters and severe weather events can create stress and confusion, and unfortunately can also open the door to fraud and misinformation. Our message to residents is simple: act promptly, document thoroughly, and know your rights.”

Remember to:

• Contact your insurance company or agent immediately to report damage.
• Document all damage with clear photos or videos.
• Keep detailed records.

Residents can contact the Insurance Division at 1-844-808-DCCA (3222) or visit the Insurance Division’s website for additional claim-filing tips and recovery resources.

Visit DCCA‘s website cca.hawaii.gov for more information and resources.

Catch “Covering the Cost with Annalisa Burgos” Wednesdays at 12:30 p.m. online, on HNN’s streaming app and anywhere you get your podcasts.

From skyrocketing housing prices to the country’s highest tax burden, Annalisa is covering the cost of aloha in America’s most expensive state and offering practical strategies, policy insights, and honest talk about what it really takes to call Hawaii home.

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