IMPACT
HAWAII WALLS 2023
After over a decade of beautifying walls in Kakaako, Hawaii Walls (formerly POW! WOW! Hawaii) has shifted its focus to the district of Kalihi.
Kalihi, despite its cultural richness and vibrant community, has long been recognized as an underserved neighborhood in terms of socioeconomic resources and opportunities. Several factors contribute to this classification:
• Limited Economic Opportunities: Kalihi faces economic challenges, with a higher poverty rate than other areas of Oahu. The neighborhood has a significant number of low-income households, which can lead to limited access to job opportunities, affordable housing, and economic mobility.
• Educational Disparities: Educational disparities persist in Kalihi, with some schools in the area facing challenges related to funding, resources, and student achievement. Limited access to quality education can create barriers to upward mobility and limit future opportunities for residents, perpetuating the cycle of disadvantage.
• Healthcare Disparities: Access to healthcare services can be a challenge for underserved communities, and Kalihi is no exception. Limited availability of healthcare facilities, including clinics and hospitals, can hinder residents' access to vital medical services, leading to disparities in health outcomes.
• Infrastructure and Public Services: Inadequate infrastructure and public services are issues faced by underserved communities, and Kalihi is not immune to these challenges. Aging infrastructure, limited public transportation options, and insufficient community resources can impact residents' quality of life and limit their ability to thrive.
• Crime and Safety Concerns: Like many underserved communities, Kalihi has faced higher crime rates compared to other areas of Honolulu. These safety concerns can impact residents' well-being, hindering their sense of security and contributing to a cycle of disinvestment and limited community development.
• Limited Community Resources: Underserved communities often lack community resources that are crucial for overall well-being. Access to recreational facilities, community centers, libraries, and other resources can be limited in Kalihi, impacting residents' opportunities for personal growth, community engagement, and social connectivity.
Recognizing and addressing these challenges is essential to Hawaii Walls. By improving the well-being of underserved communities like Kalihi, Hawaii Walls goal is to promote economic development, invest in education with workshops, and enhance community resources so that we can help uplift the neighborhood and provide residents with greater opportunities for success and a better quality of life.
CULTURAL VALUE
The Hawaii Walls Festival took place In Kalihi. It carried a significant cultural value, showcasing the richness and diversity of Hawaiian traditions, arts, and community spirit. The festival serves as a vibrant celebration of culture both locally and abroad, fostering a deep sense of pride and connection among both residents and visitors. Kalihi, a vibrant neighborhood on the island of Oahu in Hawaii, provides an ideal setting for Hawaii Walls. Historically, Kalihi has been a melting pot of cultures, with a diverse population that includes Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, Asians, and many other ethnic groups. This multicultural atmosphere sets the stage for a truly inclusive celebration that reflects the dynamic nature of Hawaiian society.
At the core of the Hawaii Walls festival is the revival and preservation of traditional indigenous arts. The event brings together a diverse range of artists, including Native Hawaiian practitioners, contemporary urban artists, muralists, sculptors, and performers. Through their creations and performances, they demonstrate the vitality of Hawaiian culture and its ability to adapt and evolve over time.
The festival provides a platform for artists to showcase their talents and connect with a broader audience. It serves as a catalyst for cultural exchange, fostering understanding and appreciation of traditions and history among locals and visitors alike. By promoting the arts, Hawaii Walls helps to preserve and pass down traditional knowledge and techniques to future generations.
Hawaii Walls also promotes community engagement and empowerment. The festival encourages collaboration and dialogue between artists, community members, and organizations. It creates opportunities for residents of Kalihi and beyond to actively participate in cultural activities, such as art workshops, storytelling sessions, and interviews with successful directors and local artists. This engagement strengthens community bonds and reinforces a sense of belonging and pride.
Moreover, Hawaii Walls contributes to the local economy by attracting visitors from across the globe. The festival serves as a cultural tourism magnet, showcasing the unique beauty of Kalihi and Hawaii. Visitors have the chance to experience firsthand the hospitality, warmth, and creativity of the local community, leaving them with a deep appreciation for Hawaiian traditions.
In conclusion, the cultural value of having the Hawaii Walls at Kalihi is immeasurable. It celebrates the heritage of Hawaii, promotes cultural exchange, fosters community engagement, and bolsters the local economy. Through its diverse range of artistic expressions and community activities, Hawaii Walls shines a spotlight on the cultural richness of Kalihi and reaffirms the significance of preserving and honoring Hawaiian traditions for generations to come.
COMMUNITY VALUE
During the inaugural Hawaii Walls festival in Kalihi, we created over 70 new murals in community-centered spaces, such as Palama Settlement, Bishop Museum, Farrington High School, Kalihi Kai Elementary, Kalihi Uka Elementary, Dillingham Plaza, and businesses around the Kapalama Kai district. The artists consisted of 70% locals and 30% visitors from around the globe.
The primary focus was to uplift communities through public art and programming. Having painted hundreds of murals in Kaka'ako over the past decade, we have personally witnessed the positive impact they bring to neighborhoods. Murals have proven to add vibrancy, resulting in increased foot traffic, enhanced safety, and boosted business for small businesses in the area. Moreover, they foster a sense of pride and belonging in areas that were once considered undesirable.
When it came to Kalihi, many people questioned why we wanted to hold the festival there, citing concerns about safety and lack of community interest. However, those were precisely the reasons why we should care. We discovered that during the festival itself, the community wholeheartedly embraced the artists and expressed gratitude at every opportunity. People brought food, gifts, and even offered financial support to the artists.
In return, the artists welcomed them and included them in their mural projects. Numerous families and children actively participated in creating the murals in their community. To this day, you can hear kids boasting about the murals they contributed to.
We were also fortunate to have Academy Award-winning directors, the Daniels, and animator Kirsten Lepore, who provided short film workshops to students at Kalihi Kai Elementary.
