SMALL TOWN * BIG ART partner Sissy Lake-Farm of Hale Hōʻikeʻike at the Bailey House Museum/ Maui Historical Society talks story with Kumu Hula Cody Pueo Pata and artist Amanda Joy Bowers about the ways that the work of Mary Kawena Pukui is influencing the revitalization of Wailuku.

Mayor Michael Victorino announced that a group of Maui Kumu Hula and the County of Maui are in early planning stages to establish a cultural center called “Hālau of ʻŌiwi Art,” to be located in Wailuku, Maui.

Halau of ‘Oiwi Art will be dedicated to the study, practice, celebration and perpetuation of hula and various ‘oiwi arts connected to hula, according to a news release.

For several decades, Cody Pueo Pata said, many fellow kumu hula have struggled to find homes for their halau. Some rotate their practices among parks, school cafeterias and family members’ garages, often rushing home from their day jobs to grab supplies for class.

Mayor Michael Victorino announced that Maui County and Maui Kumu Hula are working to establish a cultural center called “Hālau of ʻŌiwi Art” in the Wailuku Arts District.

According to a February 12 Honolulu Star-Advertiser story, if all goes well, ground could be broken on the 36,000-square-foot, two- or three-story building in 2024 or 2025, with completion anticipated in 2027. It will be the first of what Huamakahikina hopes will be many such government-funded cultural centers throughout the state.

Many of the more than 50 people who testified during a budget committee meeting on Friday voiced support for funding of Hālau of ʻŌiwi Art, a center dedicated to the study, practice, celebration and perpetuation of hula and various ‘ōiwi arts connected to hula.

Hula tells the story of our history, our ʻāina, our home, our ʻohana, our love, and brings both joy and pride to the larger community. Kumu hula, as cultural practitioners, are experts and leaders in our communities. The Hālau of ʻŌiwi Art would support and celebrate these arts and practices.

Located in the ʻilikū of Peʻepeʻe, part of the proposed project site for a Hālau of ʻŌiwi Art was once home to the historic King Theater in the modern-day Wailuku Arts District.

Share with us what you'd like to see and experience at the Hālau of ʻŌiwi Art. See the proposed plans and share your thoughts on the centerʻs learning spaces, studios, event space and kitchen, courtyard and lawn, workshop, reception and exhibit space.

A free open house event for the Hālau of ʻŌiwi Art will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. this Saturday, July 30, on the Great Lawn of the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College Campus in Kahului. Attendees can review community recommendations made to date, and share new ideas.

Nearly 400 participants attended an Open House for Hālau of ‘Ōiwi Art on the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College’s Great Lawn on Saturday. Community members mingled with nā kumu hula (hula teachers), their haumāna (students), project architects, and Maui County officials to talk about the project planned for Wailuku Town.