Go! to offer Hawaiian- language Web site

Mesa Air Group's interisland carrier go! plans to unveil the world's first airline Web site using only the Hawaiian language.

The site, which will allow passengers to search for and book interisland travel, all in Hawaiian, will be launched Sunday in conjunction with Ho'omau 2008, an annual concert that benefits all Oahu Hawaiian language immersion schools. The concert is Sunday at the Waikiki Shell.

Among those helping with the site, www.lelegowau.com (Hawaiian for www.iflygo.com), are Larry Kimura, Hawaiian-language author and University of Hawaii-Hilo professor; Sterling Kini Wong of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs; Manu Boyd, cultural director, the Festivals Co.; Kaulana Vares, UH-Manoa Hawaiian Studies student; and Kaui Keola and her students at Kula Kaiapuni 'o Anuenue in Palolo.

"The creation of this site served as both an exercise and opportunity for the students of Hawaii's Hawaiian language immersion schools who assisted in translation and the creation of some new Hawaiian words," said Jonathan Ornstein, chairman and chief executive of Mesa. "Using Hawaiian in such a modern fashion required growth of the language and has already furthered the goal of making it one of today's living languages."

Hawaii-based Ezrez Software is being used for the booking-engine technology.

"As a company with deep roots in Hawaii, Ezrez has a strong commitment to the community," Chief Executive Tina Fitch said. "We are honored to be a part of an initiative that promotes and perpetuates the Hawaiian language."