Alohalani Housman

Alohalani Housman serves as Dean of the Faculty of Culture, Language & Performing Arts and Associate Professor in the Hawaiian Studies Program at Brigham Young University–Hawaii since 2022 and 2015 respectively. Previously, she held Associate Professor positions at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo's College of Hawaiian Language from 2010-2015 and Assistant Professor from 2001-2010, where she also directed the Hale Kuamoʻo Hawaiian Language Curriculum Center.

Her research focuses on Hawaiian language revitalization through curriculum development, oral language assessment, and cultural-based pedagogy. Key contributions include the Kumu Honua Mauli Ola framework for indigenous education and leading the digitization of Latter-day Saint scriptures in Hawaiian. Her work bridges traditional knowledge systems with contemporary educational practices, emphasizing intergenerational language transmission and cultural identity.

Analysis of her publications reveals consistent focus on language sustainability across three domains: scripture translation projects (2021), oral proficiency assessment tools (2011-2012), and literacy models for immersion education (2007-2017). Her scholarship demonstrates integration of Hawaiian epistemology with practical educational frameworks.

Major awards include:

• Native Hawaiian Education Association Educator of the Year (2008)
• State of Hawai'i Senate Award for Hawaiian Language Education (1999)
• Ka Palapala Poʻokela Award Honorable Mention (2014)

She has secured over $2.1 million in grants including the $900,000 Administration for Native Americans Ka ʻŌlelo ʻŌiwi project and $1.06 million U.S. Department of Education Ka ʻŌlelo Ola grant. Her service includes directing the He Aupuni Palapala literacy model that produced 180+ children's books in Hawaiian. Current leadership involves the Jonathan Nāpela Center for Hawaiian & Pacific Studies.