New Immersion Preschool Planned in Hilo

A Hawaiian language immersion preschool is slated to open in 2028 in Hilo, located adjacent to the ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center. This new campus is the result of a partnership among the University of Hawaii at Hilo, the Hawaii State Charter School Commission, and Aha Punana Leo. It aims to meet the rising demand for Hawaiian language education among young children in the community.

Supporting Early Childhood Education and Teacher Development

The preschool is designed to serve up to 80 prekindergarten students, providing early childhood education in the Hawaiian language. The project will also function as a training ground for future educators. Ka Haka ‘Ula o Ke‘elikolani College of Hawaiian Language Executive Director Ka‘iu Kimura emphasized that the new facility will offer professional development opportunities for students in UH Hilo’s Kahuawaiola Hawaiian and Indigenous Teacher Education Program as well as others on campus. The goal is to nurture educators, administrators, and curriculum developers fluent in Hawaiian who can contribute to language programs across the state.

Responding to Growth in Hawaiian Language Speakers

According to U.S. Census data cited by Kimura, Hawaiian is the fastest growing non-English language spoken in homes throughout Hawaii. The number of speakers increased from 18,400 in 2016 to 27,338 in 2024. Hawaii County experienced a particularly significant rise, with speakers more than doubling from approximately 5,000 to 11,279. Kimura attributes this growth to efforts that began in the 1980s to revitalize the language, following years of suppression after the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom.

Design and Construction Details

The ‘Imiloa preschool campus will include four classrooms, each equipped to accommodate 20 students, as well as outdoor play spaces inspired by the native Hawaiian ethnobotany featured in the landscape surrounding the ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center. Douglas Cullison, a program manager for the Hawaii School Facilities Authority, noted that construction was awarded to Nan Inc. and is set to begin in March 2027. The design of the campus reflects an emphasis on the natural environment and cultural sustainability, building on the concepts embodied by ‘Imiloa's landscape.

Funding and Access Through Ready Keiki Initiative

Funding for the construction is provided by the Ready Keiki initiative, a statewide effort to expand access to early learning programs in Hawaii. Operational funding is expected to come from a combination of sources, including the university, the Charter School Commission, and other partners in both the public and private sectors. The enrollment process and tuition details are still being finalized.

Promoting Cultural Sustainability and Language Revitalization

Kimura expressed hope that the new preschool will contribute to sustaining and perpetuating the Hawaiian language. She emphasized that language is a key element of cultural identity and perspective, and maintaining Hawaiian language education is vital for supporting the diversity and cultural heritage of Hawaii. As more families raise their children in Hawaiian-speaking homes, the need for immersion preschools and trained educators continues to grow. The upcoming ‘Imiloa preschool aims to play a significant role in fostering the next generation of Hawaiian language speakers and cultural stewards.

Source: westhawaiitoday.com.