Native Hawaiian initiative develops sign language rooted in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi
Community-led effort aims to expand access to Indigenous language and strengthen cultural connections for deaf Native Hawaiians
A community-led initiative in Hawaiʻi is developing hand signs rooted in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi to make the Native Hawaiian language more accessible for deaf community members, according to reporting from Honolulu Civil Beat. Known as ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi Kuhi Lima, the effort began in 2024 and is creating signs based on Hawaiian language, culture and community practice. The project was founded by University of Hawaiʻi student Kekai Kaaumoana-Cummings, who is studying Hawaiian language and hopes to improve access to Indigenous language education for deaf Native Hawaiians.
Organizers say the sign system remains in development and has not yet been officially released, according to the Honolulu Civil Beat reporting. Supporters, including Maile Keamoai-Kane and researcher Keane Nakapueo-Garcia, said the initiative helps preserve Native Hawaiian language and identity while expanding opportunities for deaf people to learn and communicate through culturally grounded signs.
- 1.Honolulu Civil Beat, .
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