Hui Mo‘olelo: Kevin & Kukui Gavagan
In 2023, Kevin Gavagan and his daughter Kukui Gavagan recorded a talk-story as part of our collaborative Hui Mo‘olelo program with Hale Hōʻikeʻike at the Bailey House/ Maui Historical Society and the County of Maui. In 2024, professional artists from across the globe submitted proposals to translate this story as a work of public art. Upon selection by a community panel, artist Richard O'Connor and his team at Ace & Son Moving Picture Co entered a period of project development to meet the storytellers, learn more about the context of their story, and infuse the evolving design with a sense of place distinct to the recording.
LISTEN: • Full Recording HERE • Excerpt HERE On April 27, 2024, this animated film short was unveiled at the 2024 Hui Mo‘olelo Film Festival in Kīhei for a packed house. |
As the family of Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve Commission's Terri Gavagan, Kevin and Kukui have spent many years participating as kākoʻo (supporters) and volunteers both within the Reserve as well as from their Maui home. As Assistant Director of Engineering at Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, Kevin Gavagan received the 2022 Mālama i ka ʻĀina Award by the Maui Invasive Species Committee, the Maui Association of Landscape Professionals, and the County of Maui, exhibiting a passion for horticulture, native plants, and Hawaiian culture as well as leadership in helping to restore Kahoʻolawe. As a Kanaeokana Aloha ‘Āina Leader Awardee, Kukui has been recognized for her growing commitment to aloha ‘āina; accepting the kuleana to work for the benefit of our community and affirming the importance of our cultural values in today’s society. We are honored to share their story.
Project Development
This is a season of storytelling. A time to share the tales from our kupuna and the legends our mo‘opuna will tell.
Project Timeline
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