Volunteers help paint a 300-foot mural in Kaka'ako on Saturday, Aug. 11. (Courtesy Ward Centers)
HONOLULU PULSE STAFF / honolulupulse@staradvertiser.com
Ward Centers welcomed the general public to help a group of local artists paint a 300-foot-long mural on Saturday, Aug. 11.
Called “Kaka’ako for All,” the artwork covers the construction facade of the recently announced Phase Two of Ward Village Shops, a 57,000 square-foot retail center scheduled to open next year. According to organizers, plans call for “memories of Kaka’ako’s past” to appear alongside “images of a present and future Kaka’ako.”
Volunteers were led by artist Robin Fifita, who enlisted the help of fellow artists Megan Akinaka, Malia Andrus, Nikila Badua, Kupono Duncan, Sarah Ing, Shad Kaluhiwa, Kai’ili Kaulukukui and Cory Kamehanaokala Holt Taum. Native Hawaiian artists Solomon Enos, Kahi Ching, Meleanna Meyer and Harinani Orme served as mentors throughout the process.
“Our team is comprised of a diverse range of artists of various ages and backgrounds, but we are united by a common goal of sharing Kaka’ako’s history and promising future with Ward Centers shoppers,” said Fifita in a press release. “The mural is truly a product of the community as experienced kumu and younger artists collaborate and residents from around the island lend their hands. This project is both a work of art and an educational resource.”
Follow the mural’s progress via Ward Centers’ Facebook page or on Twitter.