Books and Literacy

The Ho’ulu Hou and Nā Kama o Ko’olauloa Projects were aimed at increasing the availability of early childhood books for children, ages two to four, from stories that permeate the Native Hawaiian community in Ko'olauloa, Hawai'i. Children’s storybooks in Hawaiian and English were created, produced and printed for a series of twenty books, including eight books that address the subjects of diverse learners and people with special needs. These projects were supported by the Administration for Native Americans and the U.S. Department of Education-Native Hawaiian Education program.

During the six year phase of literacy development and social economic strategies, Nā Kamalei worked with community partner organizations: Brigham Young University Hawaii - Jonathan Nāpela Center for Hawaiian Language & Cultural Studies, Hui Mākua o Ke Kula Kaiapuni o Hau'ula, Pūnana Leo o Ko'olauloa, Nā Leo Kako'o o Ko'olauloa (the parent organization of Kula Kaiaupuni in Hau’ula), and the Ko'olauloa Hawaiian Civic Club. By directing intellectual properties (stories) for families with young children, the project and the participants articulated cultural identity and maintained the island native culture embraced by Ko'olauLoa.

The books were written, produced, photographed, edited, designed and published entirely by Ko’olauloa residents and native organizations and included reviews for language and cultural appropriateness by a Kupuna (elder) Review Committee.

Copyright 2008: Na Kamalei, All Rights Reserved