Most native speakers - manaleo - are in their 70s and 80s, and some will not live to see the next century, said Kalani Akana, president of 'Ahahui 'Olelo Hawai'i.

The 500-member Hawaiian-language organization is planning an unprecedented conference to gather all the native speakers it could find - 25.

The three-day event meets today through Sunday at the Hawaii Prince Hotel. The conference culminates in Na Hiwa Kupuna ("The Cherished Ancestors") luncheon and concert showcasing Ku'uipo Kumukahi, whose father, Kamuela Kumukahi, is an 'Aha Manaleo participant. The Kumukahi father and daughter team won a 1994 Na Hoku Hanohano Award for composing the Hawaiian-language song, " 'O Wai Kulumea."

"Kamuela was raised speaking Hawaiian," said Liana Iaea Honda, director of 'Ahahui 'Olelo Hawai'i. "When he was reaching adulthood he never spoke Hawaiian again, because he was never around people he could converse with. It wasn't until a couple of years ago that (University of Hawaii Hawaiian-language instructor) Puakea Nogelmeier approached him to speak Hawaiian - and now he won't stop; he's such a treasure."

Attendees include Lilia Hale of Waimanalo, a teacher in the state Department of Education kupuna (elder) program; Eddie Ka'anana, a Milolii native and resource kupuna for Ka'ala Farms; and Kawika Kapahulehua, a Niihau native and resource person for the Hokule'a sailing canoe.

Also attending will be Elizabeth Kauahipaula, kupuna for the Hawaiian-language immersion program at Waiau Elementary School; David Kealekea, kahuna pule, or minister, of Wailuku; and Lolena Nicholas, a Niihau native and longtime teacher in the 12-year Punana Leo Hawaiian-language immersion program.

'Aha Manaleo is a 1996 Year of the Hawaiian Language program organized by Kalani Akana, producer and moderator of the "Manaleo" program on 'Olelo public-access television.

Said Honda, "One of our main objectives is for the manaleo just to speak Hawaiian to each other, talk about where they are from and what life was like when they were growing up. Then we'll be able to capture (their conversations) on videotape; it will be such a priceless resource to have.

"By the year 2000, many of them won't be around. Just Monday another manaleo died - Lani Kapuni, a native speaker from Molokai."

The death of 81-year-old Kapuni "just brings to mind the urgency to get their stories, history, life, experiences and legacy recorded," Akana added.

All native speakers are invited to attend Saturday sessions and to add their names to a manaleo list being compiled by 'Ahahui 'Olelo Hawai'i. Call 528-5453.

Na Hiwa Kupuna luncheon/concert also features Jerry Santos, 1996 Miss Aloha Hula Ku'ukamalani Ho and Na Keiki O Punana Leo O Honolulu. Tickets are $36 for adults and $21.50 for children. Call 944-4452, ext. 67, or 956-1111, ext. 67.