A recent Honolulu City Council meeting sparked controversy when the Hawaiian language was described as a "dead language." The remark was met with strong opposition from city officials, cultural groups, and the community. As per KHON2, Jacob Aki, President of Ke One O Kākuhihewa, voiced his disapproval, stressing that Ōlelo Hawaiʻi is far from extinct and is vital to Hawaiian identity. Despite a history of suppression, including a ban on its use in schools, the language has seen a significant revival through efforts like 'Aha Pūnana Leo and Hawaiian-medium K-12 education.
Jacob Aki emphasized the importance of language revitalization, saying, "This is about more than just words—it’s about the survival of our identity and culture. The idea that the language is ‘dead’ is both false and dismissive of the vibrant efforts happening in homes, schools, and communities across Hawaiʻi." The council showed support for the language, with Chair Tommy Waters, Vice Chair Esther Kiaʻāina, and Councilmember Andria Tupola defending its vitality. Despite the backlash, Kai Lorinc, who made the initial comment, maintained her position, arguing that while there is an effort to revive Ōlelo Hawaiʻi, it remains "a dead language," as reported by KHON2.
At the meeting, Lorinc's remarks were met with strong rebuttals. Vice Chair Kiaʻāina firmly responded, "It is not a dead language. It’s very much alive," in a statement obtained by Hawaii News Now. Councilmember Tupola also defended the language's relevance, sharing her personal connection: "My kids did go to Hawaiian immersion and we speak Hawaiian in our home and it’s not dead."
Lorinc, a Florida realtor and employee of Hawaii Republican Action, reiterated her view that the Hawaiian language is dead. Kapua Keli’ikoa-Kamai, a testifier at the council meeting, criticized Lorinc’s stance as reflecting ignorance, bias, and racism, emphasizing the ongoing struggle for language preservation.
