A traditional blessing ceremony took place in Wailuku for the Hālau of ʻŌiwi Art, Hawai'i's first government-funded hula center. Construction is set to begin on April 28. The groundbreaking event for the Hālau of ʻŌiwi Art, located at Church and Vineyard streets, was attended by County contractors F&H Construction, project partners, and cultural leaders, according to the County of Maui.
The ceremony was led by County of Maui Director of ʻŌiwi Resources and Kumu Hula Kaponoʻai Molitau. Kumu Hula Hōkūlani Holt, steering committee leader for the Hālau of ʻŌiwi Art, pointed out the lack of dedicated spaces for hula, asking, "Where in all of Hawaiʻi do we have a place for hula? Where?" The site will serve as a center for hula and other ‘ōiwi arts, preserving and promoting the traditions. Mayor Richard Bissen shared the center’s goal, stating, "The Hālau of ʻŌiwi Art will be a place where hula, mele, and hana noʻeau are not only practiced but nurtured as living, evolving traditions." The facility will focus on education and preservation of these cultural arts.
Mayor Bissen recognized former Mayor Michael Victorino and the Maui County Council for their role in advancing the $53 million Hālau of ʻŌiwi Art facility, with $11 million in federal funds. He stated, "We will do our very best to get this over the finish line," and noted the contributions of kumu hula in the design. The 47,000-square-foot facility will support hula hālau, senior services, and serve as a shelter and recovery center. The project was approved by the Maui County Council in 2022, with permitting, bidding, and contract processes completed in 2023, and a site blessing held in September 2024. The development is backed by the County of Maui and inspired by the Huamakahikina Declaration. More information is available on the Hālau of ʻŌiwi Art's official website.
