The Hawaiʻi State Archives, under the Department of Accounting and General Services, will feature local luthier Eric DeVine in the next installment of its Builder’s Spotlight series. The event will take place on Saturday. According to the Hawaii Department of Accounting and General Services, the session will show DeVine’s wood selection process and include a live demonstration by ʻukulele player Mika Kane.
The session, available for streaming on the Archives' Facebook page and later on their YouTube channel, will feature six DeVine ʻukulele valued at around $100,000. Viewers will also have the chance to ask questions directly to a master luthier. “This is a wonderful opportunity for people to better understand how incredibly talented Hawaiʻi’s stringed instrument makers are, and how much thought they put into their work,” said DAGS Director and Comptroller Keith Regan, as reported by the Hawaii Department of Accounting and General Services.
The Hawaiʻi State Archives is hosting events this weekend as part of the International ʻUkulele Festival of Hawaiʻi. John King will be inducted into the ʻUkulele Hall of Fame during on Friday's gala concert, and Israel Kamakawiwoʻole will be inducted on Sunday. The Hall of Fame is located inside the Archives. State Archivist Adam Jansen, Ph.D., said, “Our featured builder, Eric, is one of the top makers in the world. His products are stunningly beautiful and highly sought-after – and some even include precious gems in the inlay.” The Archives will also be present at the festival in Kapiʻolani Park on Sunday with interactive booths and a display of the world’s largest ʻukulele, as stated by the Hawaii Department of Accounting and General Services.
