Letter: Hawaiian language and spirit are alive and well

As we embarked on our recent flight to Hilo, the attendant asked, “Which row?” I responded, “Iwakalua-kumä- hä.” She smiled and repeated my row number in ‘ölelo, stepping aside to let us pass. Shortly afterward, a makuahine with her four keiki got on board. She calmly instructed her brood to sit quietly and buckle up ma ka ‘ölelo wale nö!