Innovative digital projects created by Hawaii Volcanoes National Park’s Visual Information Specialist Michael Newman has earned the park ranger the prestigious “Excellence in Interpretation Award,” the National Park Service’s top award.

Newman produced several digital projects featuring Native Hawaiian, Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage on the park's website, according to a release. His work brings ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language) and Hawaiian place names to the forefront of the park's user experience.

His projects include:

• A story map of Hawaiian place names at the summit of Kilauea, “The Language of the Land

• “Pronunciation of Hawaiian Place Names” for Hawaii Volcanoes National Park that also includes place names at other national parks in Hawaii

• An “ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, Hawaiian language” web page

• A cultural video series, “ʻIke Hana Noʻeau, Experience the Skillful Work,” that were produced under Newman’s leadership in collaboration with other parks, employees and in consultation with park kūpuna consultation group

Newman’s hands-on work exemplifies the Hawaiian proverb, “Ma ka hana ka ʻike”—“Knowledge is acquired by doing,” and has made Hawaiian culture available to a worldwide audience. In accepting the award, Newman extended his mahalo to Bobby Camara, Noah Gomes, the Kūpuna Consultation Group and park staff for their support throughout the projects.

Sarah Yamanaka covers news and events for Spectrum News Hawaii. She can be reached at sarah.yamanaka@charter.com.