Kealiʻi Rasmussen, an (Hawaiian language) alumnus from the University of Â鶹´«Ã½ at ²Ñ¨¡²Ô´Ç²¹, has turned his passion for ʻōlelo into a mission for community impact. Raised in a Hawaiian language church, he recalls his t¨±t¨± (grandmother) speaking some Hawaiian words and phrases and grew to love the language.
“It started off as an avenue to learn ʻōlelo Â鶹´«Ã½ the way our kūpuna (elders) did¡ªthrough oral teaching and communication,” Rasmussen said. “This led to me caring for keiki (children) at the same time and growing a deep connection.”
What started as a three-year role in 2014 at a Pūnana Leo Hawaiian language immersion preschool evolved into a decade-long dedication to language education. Today, he is the head teacher of Pūnana Leo o Waiʻanae (PLOW), where he nurtures young Hawaiian speakers each day.
Kuleana to nurture keiki
In spring 2024, Rasmussen earned a BA in ʻōlelo Â鶹´«Ã½ from UH ²Ñ¨¡²Ô´Ç²¹¡¯s and a certificate in Hawaiian language medium early education from UH ±á¾±±ô´Ç¡¯²õ . He believes his studies have equipped him to meet the kuleana (responsibility) to young learners.
“Knowing that you are adding to their success and helping their family grow in ʻōlelo Â鶹´«Ã½¡and when I run into them 10 years down the line, [I hope] that they remember me and the life lessons that I taught them, are successful and are carrying the ʻōlelo Â鶹´«Ã½ in their careers.”
ʻŌlelo opportunities, fundraiser
PLOW is hosting Kāpahi Ka Moana I Kai, a free public fundraiser on Saturday, November 16, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Wai Kai in ʻEwa. The event, designed to engage the broader community, will include live Hawaiian music, makahiki (harvest) games, ʻōlelo Â鶹´«Ã½ lessons, and more than 20 local vendors. Funds raised will help Pūnana Leo o Waiʻanae enhance its language immersion programs, including classes for mākua (parents) to foster a Hawaiian-speaking home environment.
Full circle path
Reflecting on his journey, Rasmussen feels grateful for his career, which helped him fulfill his dream of embracing the language of his ancestors.
“When I first started Pūnana Leo o Waiʻanae in 2014, I couldn’t ʻōlelo Â鶹´«Ã½ but being immersed and learning alongside of the keiki I was able to learn and speak.”
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