Attempt #1: 1924-1925
Finally, in 1925, Lydia K. Aholo, hānai daughter of Liliʻuokalani, became the first formal instructor of ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi at Kamehameha Schools for the senior class.
"The 1924-1925 school year course in Hawaiian was compulsory for all seniors. Students received three hours of Hawaiian instruction a week, using as textbooks the Hawaiian translation of the Bible and the ʻLife of Lincoln.ʻ" |
Unfortunately, the class only lasted one year, due to conflicting opinions from the parents. Several parents objected to the teaching of ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi, since it had no practical applications for later life. The trustees compromised and decided to make Hawaiian an elective course.
"I hated to give up what I knew was good for them. I took it to the trustees. But the parents had talked to the trustees before me. The trustees said, ʻWell, let's make it elective. Maybe that will be acceptable.' But before long, after it was made elective, several gave it up and before long the course had to be withdrawn. All followed the parents' inclination and the teaching of Hawaiian language and culture was given up for the time being." |
Because Hawaiian language was no longer required, enrollment in the classes were low in the following school year. However, this would be the first of many attempts to establish Hawaiian language classes in the school.