This mural is about past story about a tsunami that destroyed all of Kaneohe up the the Ko‘olau Mountains. The people had to find out that after crisis and trouble, they can rebuild their place of home and there is new life to be reborn. The oli of “Huliau” was used for this Mele Mural because it means “to turn and look to the past so we can move on to the future.”

The central wahineʻs name, Kameha‘ikana, means the multitude of generations. She represents not only the land, but the generations of life that come from the land. This is shown with the babies and baby kalo that is growing out of the land. The pattern at the bottom of the Mele Mural shows triangles that represent the foundation and families that raise our youth.

The ‘iwa bird carries the blue torch, “Kalamamakū,” the hottest portion of the fire. It reminds the youth to be the new torch and flame to light up the sky and shine. The youth of Ho‘olulu ‘Opio Academy are urged to bring change and transformation to Hawai‘i and be the “Kalamakū.” With some of the troubles and hardships that todayʻs youth experience, through painting this Mele Mural and understanding the history lessons and messaging of this mural, it helps them with their personal lives.

‘ŌiwiTV video: https://vimeo.com/184593551