Aloha Kākou!
April kicked off with a return to Ke Kula o Ehunuikaimalino in Kona. With the help of Eugene “Eukarezt” Kristopher and Uncle Estria, the mural “He Hawaii au mau a mau” was completed within one weekend with the haumana (students). The title means “I am Hawaiian now and forever, or I am Hawaii now and forever.”
As shown in the photo above, the Kukui tree shows lights that represent the youthʻs ancestors and enlightenment. The roots, reaching deep into the earth, represent the foundation of an education. The hands cultivating the kalo (taro) is a message to future students to malama (take care) of the land and the land will take care of you. Portraits of the studentsʻ kupuna (elders) were also painted with the lesson to never forget your mookuauhau (geneaology). Lastly, the school mascot of the Hawaiian io (hawk) brings the story to the viewers.
In addition, our team worked with the haumana, parents, teachers from Kanuikapono Charter School and community members in Anahola, Kauai to paint a new mural for their campus. The mural represents the theme for their school year “E ka i i ka loa me ka laula” (Travel the length of the breath). The main wahine painted is Kalaleaʻs wife Konanai (or Koananai) that represents the land of Anahola.
The youth also painted the Namahoe waa, the new double hull voyaging canoe built in Nawiliwili, Kauai. They also painted Kane Huna Moku, the legend of the floating islands, and Ka Lupe o Kawelo (the kite of Kawelo), the star constellation that rises over them each day.