HONOLULU, HI – Beginning today, the Honolulu International Airport will broadcast a greeting every half hour in both the native Hawaiian language, as well as the English translation. In attendance for the unveiling at the Honolulu International Airport was Governor Neil Abercrombie and representatives from the Hawaiian community and visitor industry.
Today’s ceremony was scheduled in honor of Princess Ruth Ke’elikōlani’s birthday month. Princess Ruth is recognized as one of the royal family’s strongest perpetuators of the Hawaiian language.
Also unveiled today, a Hawaiian language video message created for in-flight programming use to welcome visitors to the islands. Copies of the video with subtitled translations will be made available to all airlines with service to Hawai’i.
The airport greeting in Hawaiian:
Aloha e nā makamaka kipa mai i ke Kahua Mokulele Kau’āina O Honolulu! E nā ‘ōhua e ha’alele ana, no ‘oukou ka maluhia o ka holo ‘ana a ho’i hou mai. E nā malihini i hō’ea mai me nā kama’āina pu kekahi, ke aloha o ka ‘āina iā ‘oukou a pau!
English Translation:
Welcome to the Honolulu International Airport. If you’re headed out, travel safely and come back soon. Kama’āina, welcome home. And if you’ve just arrived, we hope that you enjoy your stay in our islands!
