FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Who do I contact for more information about this year’s Kiwanis Kupuna Spelling Bee?
A: Please email kiwaniseasthawaii@gmail.com (Big Island) or 808-280-1299 (Statewide Event Hotline).
Q: If I register and cannot attend, will I receive a refund?
A: No refund will be issued. Proceeds will benefit the Alzheimer’s Association Aloha Chapter.
Q: Will I receive a word study guide to prepare for the Bee?
A: No study will be sent to participants. You can find helpful word study guides on the Internet.
Q: What is the attire for the Bee?
A: Please know that the Bee will be held in an air-conditioned room, so please dress comfortably and appropriately.
Q: If I travel from a neighboring island to Oahu, will someone pick me up at the airport?
A: All participants must secure their own transportation to and from the Bee site.
Q: Will I be fed a meal?
A: The Bee committee will provide light refreshments such as bottled water and snacks.
Q: What do I need to bring with me on the day of the Bee?
A: Please bring a valid Hawaii photo ID.
Q: May I use paper and pen during the Bee?
A: Writing implements such as a pen and paper will not be allowed during the Bee. Spellers may fingerspell in the air, on their hand, or on their number card/placard.
Q: May I start over spelling my word during the Bee?
A: Yes you may start over. However, you will not be allowed to change the order or the letters that you have already spoken.
Q: I am hearing impaired. Do you have accommodations for people like me?
A: We will not provide hearing devices, but we will test audio quality before the start of the Bee.
Q: I have mobility issues. Will I be allowed to sit during the Bee?
A: Yes. Portable microphones will be available.
Q: Will words be in English only and not from the Hawaiian language, which is also our official language?
A: All words are from the Merriam-Webster Dictionary.
Q: Will capital letters and diacritical marks be required?
A: Spellers are not required to indicate capitalization, hyphens, spaces, or diacritical marks.
Q: What if I need to use the restroom during the Bee?
A: The pronouncer may halt the Bee to accommodate restroom breaks.