Construction of Hawai‘i’s First Government-Funded Hula Center Set to Begin
WAILUKU, Maui — This month marks the commencement of construction for Hawaiʻi’s first government-funded hula center, the Hālau of ʻŌiwi Art, a significant milestone for cultural preservation. The 47,000-square-foot facility will enrich the community in Wailuku by providing dedicated spaces for hula, mele, and hana noʻeau, allowing traditional practices to flourish amid modern challenges.
At a blessing ceremony held before construction, Mayor Richard Bissen emphasized the center’s role in nurturing future generations. “This space will nurture our keiki, uplift our kūpuna, and inspire our kumu, ensuring knowledge is shared with intention and integrity,” Bissen stated. The center will not only serve as a cultural hub but will also act as a disaster shelter and community resource for resilience and recovery, including classes from Kaunoa Senior Services.
The project is spearheaded by a collaborative effort among various hula hālau, with Kumu Hula Hōkūlani Holt at the helm of the steering committee. “Where in all of Hawaiʻi do we have a place for hula? Nowhere,” Holt remarked, lamenting the lack of dedicated cultural spaces. The $53 million facility, partly funded by $11 million in federal assistance, gained local support and received approval from the Maui County Council in 2022. Its permitting and bidding processes were finalized in 2023, leading to the anticipated construction start date.
Set to open new possibilities for cultural engagement, the Hālau of ʻŌiwi Art stands as a testament to the commitment of the Maui community to honor and sustain the rich legacy of hula for generations to come.
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