Join us: Blessing & Public Unveiling of Maui Utility Box Art Project

Maui Public Art Corps, in partnership with Hale Hōʻikeʻike at the Bailey House/ Maui Historical Society, County of Maui Department of Parks and Recreation and the Lāhainā Restoration Foundation, invites the community to a special blessing and unveiling of two new public artworks on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, from 12:00 – 1:00 PM at Keōpūolani Regional Park. Please meet at the first parking lot inside the Kanaloa Avenue entrance, next to the YMCA.

The blessing will be led by Uncle Bill Garcia, a member of the Royal Order of Kamehameha, and Kākalaleo (Kumu in the art of chant) for Nā Hanona Kūlike O Piʻilani. Uncle Bill serves as the resident kahu for Hale Hōʻikeʻike at the Bailey House/ Maui Historical Society.

"Uncle Bill helps to bless and do the opening pule for all our important events and annual meetings," shares Sissy Lake-Farm, Executive Director of Hale Hōʻikeʻike. "We are so honored and lucky to have him as a valued resource."

The two new artworks are the first in a pilot project to transform Maui County Parks utility boxes into vibrant, place-based works of art—each grounded in authentic local storytelling. Designed to uplift early-career Maui County creatives and enrich our shared environment, the project is presented in partnership with the County of Maui Department of Parks and Recreation. Artists applied for the project through a spring Request For Proposals (RFP) and were selected to participate based on community panel review. They each received a $1,000 artist honorarium through a grant awarded to Maui Public Art Corps by the Fred Baldwin Memorial Foundation. 

Both pieces are inspired by recordings from Hui Mo‘olelo, a program that cultivates community stories celebrating Maui’s history, culture, and sense of place.

Christopher Carraway of Kīhei created a work rooted in the story of Reverend Gensho Hara, the Lāhainā Jodo Mission, and his daughter Yayoi Hara. Grounded in ‘Ōlelo No‘eau #2066 — Mai ka piko o ke poʻo a ka poli o ka wāwae, a laʻa ma nā kihi ʻehā o ke kino (From the crown of the head to the soles of the feet, and the four corners of the body) — Carraway's artwork recognizes the many community members displaced from Lāhainā and honors their enduring connections to Maui.

"I have a lot of feelings and passion about this project and know that I am but a spoke in the wheel," says Christopher. "This truly is a project by and for the community. My hope is that with Maui’s blessing, I am able to bring such a beautiful story to light for everyone to enjoy and be proud of."

Sarah DeYoung of Haʻikū created a work rooted directly in the stories of Kahului. Inspired by the deep ties between Sissy Lake-Farm, Lopaka White, and Hawaiian Canoe Club, her design honors Kealoha—the canoe and its namesake, Kealoha Lake—whose legacy of community, culture, and aloha continues through generations. Her piece draws from ‘Ōlelo No‘eau #2268 — Nānā ka maka; hoʻolohe ka pepeiao; paʻa ka waha (Observe with the eyes; listen with the ears; shut the mouth. Thus one learns). 

"What an amazing weekend," shares Sarah. "It was SO much fun being part of the community and installing art. So many fun conversations and lots of cute dogs—you literally put me in my dream location! I'm exhausted, but in the best way possible. This feels like the start of something beautifully new, and I’m so grateful Maui Public Art Corps gave me this opportunity. No words to describe my gratitude."

Reflecting on the canoe Kealoha's significance, Sissy Lake-Farm adds: "When you acknowledge a canoe like Kealoha, you recognize that you are part of a larger body. It’s not just you; it’s the whole community moving forward together. That’s the way our stories move, too—together, generation after generation."

Lopaka White, Reserve Operations Manager of the Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve Commission and President of the Board of Directors of Maui Historical Society, further shares: "Paddling and protecting our resources go hand in hand. Being part of Kealoha’s story means understanding that the strength of the canoe comes from everyone’s collective effort, whether it's in the ocean or on the land."

Kelly White, Chair of Maui Public Art Corps and Manager of the County of Maui's Public Art Program, emphasizes the importance of connecting people, place, and story: "These artworks demonstrate our mission to connect people, place and story through the development of exceptional public art projects. We're especially grateful to the County of Maui Department of Parks and Recreation for allowing us to launch this pilot initiative at Keōpūolani Regional Park. Through authentic storytelling and creative expression, we’re enriching our shared spaces and supporting the next generation of Maui artists."

Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs, sun protection, and water.

The event is free and open to the public. 

For more information, visit mauipublicart.org/box