February is Hawaiian Language Month or Mahina ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi. 

The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency is honoring the month's theme by sharing a Hawaiian word every day on its Twitter and Facebook accounts as well as on its website.

To connect the project to the mission of the state agency, the Hawaiian words that are shared on social media are words “that everyone should be familiar with in case of an emergency,” according to a news release.

Some words featured are “ho‘ohekili” meaning threatening thunderstorm, “aupuni” meaning government and “wahi ho‘omalu” meaning protection or shelter.    

“We want to ensure that our kama‘āina and visitors understand the significance of readiness for any emergency,” said HI-EMA Administrator James Barros. “Through Mahina ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i, we have carefully chosen Hawaiian words that highlight awareness and preparedness.”

The Hawaiian language campaign will continue through the end of February.

Michelle Broder Van Dyke covers the Hawaiian Islands for Spectrum News Hawaii. Email her at michelle.brodervandyke@charter.com.