Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 5, Number 7, 1 July 1988 — $1 Million, from page 1 [ARTICLE]

$1 Million, from page 1

cultural, social and eeonomie problems of society that will take more than a school program to solve. However, identification of problems directed attention to ideas for addressing these issues. As Kamuela Chun of Kamehameha Schools' West Hawaii Regional Center stated, "We believe that Hawaiians want to be successful in school and society and that schools are capable of providing them the means to do this." Not surprisingly, the group acknowledged Hawaiian culture as unique and advocated creating programs and training teachers to recognize and work with, not against cultural learning styles. One value identified in the discussion was ha'aha'a, or humility whieh may cause students to have an aversion to "showing off", or standing out in class. It was suggested that here is an opportunity to re-examine the Western approach to giftedness and talent in youth, and take one that incorporates Hawaiian values of sharing one's gift to enhanee the group rather than seeking individual praise alone. One teacher noted, "We're asking for change . . . What do we want, to ask them to eonform or to succeed?" Yet as Morris Lai, of the UH Manoa Curriculum Research and Development Group said, "Because of past barriers, we will have to do different things than just select kids and have the same programs." In stressing the importance of building selfesteem, Monette Yagodich of UH Manoa Career Opportunity Program pointed out, "Self-esteem may depend on what's 'in' or what's 'out.' Many years ago being Hawaiian was out, now it's in. I don't know what it's going to be like tomorrow." Many ideas were given to assure that being Hawaiian is never 'out' — create a Hawaiian Hall of Fame to recognize Hawaiian achievers and show role models; different types of learning "halau," increase Hawaiian culture and language studies; make more gifted and talented arts and performing arts programs; offer free basic skills enrichment programs in summer; and start leadership training programs in elementary schools. Seminar leader Cornelia Anguay said that the Hilo planning committee is considering the many suggestions, including ideas for designated "magnet" schools — special resource centers where gifted and talented students go for classes; "immersion" schools, where students participate in all-day classes conducted in Hawaiian language; after school and summer school programs to teach traditional Hawaiian culture and values; and expanding present DOE gifted and talented programs to include more Hawaiian content.

She said they plan to hold at least two more smaller seminars with state gifted and talented and Hawaiian studies staff, and to involve leaders of Hawaiian community education projects. This is to get more information on necessary resources, administration, curriculum outlines, etc. Planning committee members are: Anguay, director of Upward Bound; Manu Meyer, program specialist for the Hawaiian Leadership Development Program; Sing, also director of the Hawaiian Leadership Program; Valli Kanuha, acting eoordinator, UH Hilo Health Careers Opportunity Program; William Wilson, department chair, Hawaiian Studies Department; and Ed Kanahele, history instructor at Hawai'i Community College. Additional consultants were Vivian Hee, acting state specialist, Gifted and Talented Programs, DOE; and Jan Jenner, resource specialist, DOE Hawaii District Office.