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Hawaii is about to make the 'shaka' its official state gesture

LEILA FADEL, HOST:

Good morning. I'm Leila Fadel. Hawaii already has a great state dance, the hula, and an awesome state sport, surfing. So why not have a state gesture? Lawmakers in the 50th state recently passed a bill recognizing the shaka - you know, the hang-loose sign? - as Hawaiian in origin. It's super easy to do. Just stick your thumb and pinky finger out to each side and curl your other fingers down. Hawaiians use it to say hello, goodbye, thank you, and aloha.

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The independent journalism and non-commercial programming you rely on every day is in danger.

If you’re reading this, you believe in trusted journalism and in learning without paywalls. You value access to educational content kids love and enriching cultural programming.

Now all of that is at risk.

Federal funding for public media is under threat and if it goes, the impact to our communities will be devastating.

Together, we can defend it. It’s time to protect what matters.

Your voice has protected public media before. Now, it’s needed again. Learn how you can protect the news and programming you depend on.