Guidance on opening protocols for HSTA meetings and events

Hanohano Hawaiʻi is the framework for which all major Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association events and regular gatherings shall begin. It allows us to start meetings with the spirit of aloha by breathing life, or hā, into the proceedings relating to the values, language, culture, and/or history of our islands. This work is inspired by the efforts of the National Education Association to begin each meeting with a land acknowledgement.

The importance of Hanohano Hawaiʻi

As educators and Hawai‘i State Teachers Association members, we must understand the importance of grounding ourselves in the place that we inhabit, and of recognizing the past and present as we move into the future.

Native Hawaiians, the indigenous people of Hawaiʻi, continue to pass down their genealogies, histories, and wisdom from one generation to the next through moʻolelo (storytelling), mele (songs), and oli (chants). In bringing forth the stories of people, places, and perspectives, we honor and respect the eldest ancestors of these islands and their significant contributions to our lives today.

Hanohano Hawaiʻi reflects HSTA’s goal to center this culture, language, and worldview in our institutional practices. By authentically grounding ourselves and uplifting the people who came before us, we educate and inspire our members and the greater community to honor and respect our homeland, our beloved Hawaiʻi.

Practicing Hanohano Hawaiʻi establishes a stronger foundation for the work that we do each day as educators in Hawaiʻi. It strengthens our connections to our home and deepens our knowledge and kuleana as global ambassadors of Hawaiʻi.

How to conduct Hanohano Hawaiʻi

  1. Ask everyone to come together and begin with a greeting.
  2. Acknowledge the meeting location’s mokupuni (island), moku (district), and ahupuaʻa (land division). Use your own location if the meeting is conducted online.
  3. Express your gratitude for a person, place, thing, event, or idea that makes Hawaiʻi special. Choose at least one of the following themes and moʻolelo mai (teach/tell) about its connection through moʻolelo, mele, and/or oli:
  • Mauli Ola: the kūpuna (elders/ancestors) that you bring with you.
  • ʻĀina: a specific location or wahi pana (sacred/legendary place).
  • Kānaka: Native Hawaiian leaders or other inspirational figures.
  • Kuamoʻo ʻŌlelo: significant events/observances in the history of Hawaiʻi.
  • Kuleana: how our work impacts the keiki o ka ʻāina and future generations of Hawaiʻi.
  1. Close by connecting this theme to a positive intention for the day or event.

Tips and best practices

Hanohano Hawaiʻi shall be conducted for state board meetings, chapter executive board and representative assembly meetings, committee meetings, and any other HSTA events. Hanohano Hawaiʻi may also be conducted at school-level meetings.

Each day of a multi-day event should begin with Hanohano Hawaiʻi. Length and delivery may vary.

Make sure those tasked with delivering Hanohano Hawaiʻi have ample advance notice so they can prepare. You can do this by organizing a sign-up sheet or asking for volunteers for your next meeting.

Don’t be afraid to try! There is no requirement to be Native Hawaiian to conduct Hanohano Hawaiʻi, but you must do your research, be respectful and authentic, and attempt proper pronunciation. Seek guidance if necessary and be sure to practice.

Be aware that some moʻolelo may not be accurate. Like all research, make sure your references are legitimate.

Hanohano Hawaiʻi can be brief so long as the appropriate elements are included, but should not exceed three minutes in length.

Audiences do not need to applaud at the conclusion of Hanohano Hawaiʻi, but may do so if the setting feels appropriate.

Examples

Resources

Find your moku and ahupuaʻa:

  • Click on the magnifying glass and enter your location.
  • Click on your location in the map.
  • In the pop-up data field, click on the right arrow to view your ahupuaʻa, moku, and mokupuni.

Waikāhi Ka Pono

Waikāhi Ka Pono was composed for HSTA by former member Roxane Kapuaimohalaikalani Stewart to metaphorically show our collective power and impact as a union, similar to the way droplets of water can collectively carve out lands, moving in the same direction, flowing in the same direction. As a body of teachers moving in the same direction, advocating for change in our classrooms, schools, and communities, we can carve the path of education here in Hawaiʻi.

Online databases

  • Kīpuka
  • Papakilo
  • Wehewehe: Access four Hawaiian dictionaries (Pūkuʻi, Andrews, Parker, and Māmaka Kaiao) in one easy search.

Online texts

The origin of Hanohano Hawaiʻi

In 2019, at the National Education Association Representative Assembly, delegates passed New Business Item 64, which stated that at the beginning of all NEA convenings, NEA will acknowledge the native people of whom the lands originated from.

At the 2022 HSTA State Convention, delegates passed New Business Item 22-5, which called on the union to convene a group of HSTA members to develop an opening protocol for all HSTA meetings and events — one that includes a proper land acknowledgment and is based on Native Hawaiian culture and values.

After years of discussion and deliberation, this group developed Hanohano Hawaiʻi (Glorious Hawaiʻi).

Mahalo to the following individuals for their time and input:

  • Kalae Akioka, Kailua High, Hawaiian Education Special Committee Chair
  • Terri Inefuku, Communications Specialist
  • Rebecca Kapolei Kiili, EdD, Kekaulike High, Maui Chapter Treasurer, Human and Civil Rights Committee Member
  • Aaron Kubo, Hilo Intermediate, Hawaiʻi NEA Director
  • Jodi Kunimitsu, Maui High, Human and Civil Rights Committee Chair
  • Hope Pualani McKeen, Keonepoko Elementary, Government Relations Committee Chair, Hawaiian Education Special Committee Member
  • Angela Miyashiro, EdD, Kaʻū High and Pāhala Elementary, Human and Civil Rights Committee Member
  • Logan Okita, Nimitz Elementary, HSTA Vice President
  • Osa Tui, McKinley High, HSTA President