Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 28, Number 1, 1 January 2011 — DEBATING HAWAIIAN ISSUES [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

DEBATING HAWAIIAN ISSUES

On Dec. 10, seniors in the W.R. Farrington High School Hawaiian Academy, Hālau Kupa Hawai'i debated the Akaka Bill and GM0 kalo. The debate was an economics and Hawaiian language-integrated assignment designed to engage the seniors in a culminating activity that would eomhine student interest with current event issues affecting Hawai'i. Members of the community, inrludinn 0HA fhnirnersnn Hnunnni Annlinnn iudned the

debate, with pro-GM0 kalo edging out its opponents and the Akaka Bill debate tied. "Students gained an appre- ^ ciation for teamwork, time management, attention to details, efforts from the community who have been ^ engaged with these topics from ineephon, sticking to the facts and basically the exposure to the process of having their voices heard," said Hālau Kupa Hawai'i Director 'Alohilani Okamura, pictured in the front row on right. "We saw the value in bringing this

topic to the toretront at this critical time. It was enlightening to see the voice of our 'ōpio expressed. It was a wonderful experience." The other teachers on this integrated project were Kamuela Polivka, Pi'ilani Gamiao and Kalei Napu'elua. - Photos: Pmneine Murray

lnset: A young kalo grows outside the classroom as students inside debate the pros and cons of GM0 kalo.