Public invited to Midway Kickstarter Party on First Friday, Mar. 6

HONOKA’A, Hawaii – Hawaiian cultural practitioner Lanakila Mangauil is leading an effort in Honoka’a to establish the Hawaiian Cultural Center of Hamakua.

The HAWAIIAN CULTURAL CENTER OF HAMAKUA will be a multi-cultural, multi-generational community center situated in the heart of Honoka’a where residents and visitors alike can deepen their connection to Hawaiian culture. The center’s adopted emblem of the he’e, or octopus, represents the center’s community outreach efforts. One arm of the he’e will reach out as classes in hula, the arts, Hawaiian language, history, agriculture, philosophy, and more. Another would extend into the community with special events, guest speakers, community service projects, and cultural exchange programs. Beyond our community, it will be a place where visitors can learn about the history and culture of Hawai’i in an authentic setting. With a mini-museum curated in partnership with UH Hilo’s Heritage Center, visitors will have a chance to browse historic memorabilia and talk story with volunteer docents knowledgeable about the area and Hawaiian history.Lanakila Mangauil

During the First Friday event in Honoka’a on March 6, the public is invited to the “Mock Center” at the Ujike Building on Mamane Street (across from Salvation Army) between 5 and 8 p.m. to take part in the “Midway” Kickstarter Party. The event will include kupuna talk story sessions, live Hawaiian music (featuring Hawane Rios) and hula, as well as Hawaiian market booths.

Its part of the promotion to fund the effort through a Kickstarter campaign. As of March 5 at 9 a.m., $4,135 has been pledged towards the $20,000 goal. 32 days remain in the fundraising campaign.

Organizers hope to lease the Ujike building (projected $13,000 to $15,000 per year) in order to house the center.

The historic Ujiki building features a wide-open space with vintage wooden floors smoothed over ages – perfect for bare hula feet. Here, community members will gather to dance, to learn traditional Hawaiian practices, or simply to talk story with community elders.

We intend to bring new life to this building by creating the Hawaiian Cultural Center of Hamakua to serve the community and visitors from around the world.Kickstarter campaign

For More Information

Hawaiian Cultural Center of Hamakua website