The focus of the Lamakū program is to lay the foundation for a critical
mass of well-prepared educators, scholars, and families to stabilize,
strengthen, and perpetuate Hawaiian language and culture via the Hawaiian
Medium Education System, a system in history which produced a very literate
society based in our indigenous language. The project addresses Act 133,
which was signed by Governor Lingle in June 2004 that expands the existing
Hawaiian Language Immersion Program by establishing an instructional
program in which children can meet the state’s education standards through
the medium of the Hawaiian language.
Within the Lamakū program is the opportunity to effectuate Act 133; to prepare Native Hawaiian families for post-secondary education, to prepare Native Hawaiian students for the demands of applying and attending college, and to support Native Hawaiian educators.
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Lamakū, Post-Secondary Scholarship Program
Lamakū, or Torch of Enlightenment, is the name given to our scholarship program. In olden times, the lamakū was made by stringing roasted kukui nuts and placing them on the tip of a bamboo pole. The kukui nuts were then wrapped in dried ti leaves. When lit, the lamakū provided light throughout the darkness of night. Light and kukui are Hawaiian cultural symbols for education and enlightenment. The name Lamakū, reflects the cultural value we place on education and our love of learning. Ua ao Hawai‘i, ke ‘ōlino nei. Hawai‘i is enlightened, for the era of education is here.
The Lamakū Native Hawaiian Higher Education Scholarship Program is funded through a grant by the U.S. Department of Education. It is administered by the ‘Aha Pūnana Leo to support Native Hawaiians in pursuit of post-secondary education. The goal of the program is to enable students to complete their course of study to support the Hawaiian Medium Education System in Hawai‘i.
To further this goal, recipients of this award are required to attain proficiency in the Hawaiian language. They are also required to complete community service preferably within a Hawaiian Medium Education school or entity. Kahuawaiola recipients fulfill their community service requirement in a Hawaiian Medium classroom. Graduate degree candidates fulfill their community service requirement by completing research relevant to the improvement of the Hawaiian Medium Education System. All undergraduate recipients fulfill their community service hours at a Hawaiian language site. Applicants and recipients must reapply annually.
For further information, contact the Lamakū Scholarship Program offices at:
Lamakū
96 Pu‘uhonu Place
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 961-0093 / 1-877-E-OLA-MAU (365-2628)