Due to extremely popular demand and positive community feedback, KGMB9 has decided to continue to deliver news in Hawaiian, the native language of Hawai'i, by making "'Āha'i 'Ōlelo Ola: Messenger of a Living Language" a permanent segment on Sunrise on KGMB9.

"We are committed to doing the Hawaiian news segment on Sunrise," says KGMB9 News Director Chris Archer. "'Āha'i 'Ōlelo Ola" aired for the first time on March 10 and almost instantly generated buzz and garnered attention locally, nationally and internationally. "We've received tremendous input from viewers and others worldwide," Archer adds. Amy Kalili, Luna Ho'okele Executive Director, will remain as the special correspondent for the segments.

"'Āha‘i 'Ōlelo Ola" began as a joint partnership between KGMB9 and Kamehameha Schools as part of the celebration leading up to The 88th Annual Kamehameha Schools Song Contest, airing Friday, March 14 beginning at 6:30 p.m. through 10:00 p.m. The song contest theme this year is "Ola Ka 'Ōlelo 'Ōiwi O Ka 'Āina: Celebrating Hawaiian Language Revitalization," aligning with the 30th anniversary of the Hawaiian language being designated an official state language.

Sunrise on KGMB9 airs Monday through Friday, from 4:30 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.

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