Lei Pua ʻAla

Hui Mo‘olelo: Lei Pua ʻAla

“When it comes to gender and sexuality, what has happened over decades and centuries is essentially erasure; making sure that people like us – if seen at all, are seen as very marginal figures, or dangerous figures, or sick and deviant figures. Not being able to see oneself reflected in one’s own family or community or one’s cultural history means you can never see yourself as a person of any value. Therefore, your chances at life become very problematic. That is what we have seen over the years; people of differing gender and sexuality live on the margins and don’t have a chance of success in an educational or work environment, and in forming healthy relationships, etc. So I think this project is aimed at looking historically at what some of those challenges have been, but more importantly at what resilience has looked like. How do we lift up and make ourselves and these experiences across the various cultures of Hawaii more visible?” – Joe Wilson, co-director of the Lei Pua ʻAla Queer Histories of Hawai‘i Project

Hui Mo‘olelo cultivates stories celebrating the history, culture and sense of place of unique sites throughout the County of Maui. Its goals are to, A) capture an authentic moment of connection through intergenerational stories; B) connect residents & visitors more deeply with accurate accounts of Maui history and culture; and C) help to ensure that local narratives and cultural heritage are recorded and passed down to future generations, fostering a sense of identity and belonging. Story recordings are shared via mauipublicart.org for public access, the Maui Historical Society archives, the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress, and through annual requests for artist proposals to be interpreted as public artworks in collaboration with the community. (Read process specifics HERE).

In talking story with the Lei Pua ʻAla Queer Histories of Hawaii Project, we learned that this approach may be useful in uplifting queer stories and history and in fostering acceptance of queer identities in everyday life. With the additional collaboration of Hawai'i Council for the Humanities – who works to broaden perspectives and strengthen communities, there are myriad possibilities to position public art as a catalyst for community engagement.

A new collaborative program of Maui Public Art Corps, Hale Hōʻikeʻike at the Bailey House/ Maui Historical Society, the County of Maui and the Lei Pua ʻAla Queer Histories of Hawaiʻi project of the Hawaiʻi Council for the Humanities and Qwaves/Kanaka Pakipika, Hui Mo‘olelo: Lei Pua ʻAla cultivates stories that celebrate Hawaiʻi history, culture and sense of place and create positive shifts in public attitudes toward queer rights and inclusion.

Hui Mo‘olelo Main Page

Workshop #1 (LINK) | Workshop #2 (LINK) | Workshop #3 (LINK)

The mission of Maui Public Art Corps is to connect people, place and story through the development of exceptional public art. It was founded in 2020 to expand the work of Wailuku Town's SMALL TOWN * BIG ART project countywide in partnership with Hale Hōʻikeʻike at the Bailey House/ Maui Historical Society and the County of Maui, which pairs professional artists with community members to develop artwork rooted in Mary Kawena Pukui’s ‘Ōlelo No‘eau: Hawaiian Proverbs and Poetical Sayings. Funding is provided through charitable grants, individual donors and a flagship partnership with the County of Maui supported through the National Endowment for the Arts.

Lei Pua ʻAla, (garland of fragrant flowers) is a multidimensional project to document and memorialize gender and sexual diversity across the uniquely multicultural landscape of Hawaiʻi. It is part of Queer Histories of Hawaiʻi; a multimedia education and community engagement project rooted in Hawaiian culture and dedicated to acceptance, respect, and inclusion for all. Its partner and fiscal sponsor is Hawaiʻi Council for the Humanities, which connects people with ideas that broaden perspectives and inspire community and civic engagement. Major funding for the Lei Pua ʻAla project is provided by the Mellon Foundation. [SAMPLE WORK: Kapaemahu]

Project Overview

Through this Hui Mo‘olelo ("gathering of stories") cohort with Lei Pua ʻAla, a cohort of Maui & Oahu storytellers will participate in 3 virtual sessions led by Maui Public Art Corps and Hale Hōʻikeʻike at the Bailey House/ Maui Historical Society. Upon completion, participants will pair with intergenerational partners to generate a site-specific story that is audio-recorded. The audio excerpts become the basis for an RFP by literary artists, in which they interpret a recording as a work of public art in collaboration with community members. Proposals are selected by a community panel, followed by a collective learning and cultural exchange that is rooted in specific places throughout Maui County and Oahu.

Timeline

Nov & Dec '24: Recruit Hui Mo‘olelo participants and identify sites and partners for public art experiences
Jan '25: Hui Mo‘olelo workshop series with Sissy Lake-Farm
Feb '25: Talk-story recordings
Mar '25: Call to artists to interpret a Hui Mo‘olelo recording as a work of written/ performance art
Apr '25: Panel review > artist contracts > launch project development
May '25: Community engagement/ project development
Jun '25: Pop-up performances/ activations scheduled

2025 Cohort

Sissy Lake-Farm, Kumu Hula, Hālau Makana Aloha O Ka Lauaʻe and Executive Director, Hale Hōʻikeʻike at the Bailey House/ Maui Historical Society on Maui (MORE)

Sean-Joseph Takeo Kahāokalani Choo, Lead Steward and Head Jester of Kamamo House on Oʻahu, an artist cultivation organization, theatre collective, and podcast. (MORE)

Sean's story
Talk-story with William Haʻo

Lani Teves, associate professor of women, gender, and sexuality studies at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (MORE)

Talk-story with Val Tavai

Pualani Enos, UH Mānoa Matsunaga Institute for Peace (MORE)

Pualani's story
Talk-story with Troy Siruno

Lyz Soto, Poet and Director of Literary and Conversation Programs, Hawaiʻi Council for the Humanities on Oʻahu (MORE)

Lyz's story
Talk-story with Allen Kam

Kenji Cataldo, Co-Host & Producer of Hawai’i Rising, a podcast produced by Hawai’i People’s Fund on Oʻahu (MORE)

Talk-story with Frank Lee

Ashley Ancheta Galacgac, Engagement & Operations Manager at Hawaii Alliance of Nonprofit Organizations on Oʻahu (MORE)

Ashley's story
Talk-story with Nicolita Garces

Daniel Southmayd, Medical Case Manager at Maui Aids Foundation Inc.

Daniel's story
Talk-story with Nilo Nono

Shannon Wianecki, Writer (MORE)

Shannon's story

Hōkū Pavao, Maui performing artist and arts administrator

Talk-story with Francis Taua

Cynthia Cary, Retired social worker, University of Hawaiʻi Maui College Human Services Program

Cynthia's story
Talk-story with Lee Stein

Camille Rockett, Director, Community Health and Equity, Hawaii Medical Service Association (MORE)

Camille's story
Talk-story with Dolly M.I. Tatofi

> Learn more about this cohort on our blog!

Intended Outcomes

Guiding Statement

Increased community understanding and empathy toward queer experiences

Greater representation of queer individuals in public spaces and media

Positive shifts in public attitudes toward queer rights and inclusion

Long-term integration of queer stories into cultural and educational narratives on Oahu & Maui

Art as Catalyst for community connection, inclusive spaces, and sense of belonging

The Lei Pua ʻAla Hui Moʻolelo cohort objective is to gather the stories—recollections, experiences, memories of the queer community in Hawaiʻi and to create opportunities to share these stories through recorded interviews, artistic responses, and public events with the people of Hawaiʻi.

Format

Complete the 3-part Hui Mo‘olelo workshop series, through which participants create their own micro-storytelling presentation that is rooted in a distinctive sense of place, history and culture.
Coordinate the best date & time to meet an intergenerational partner to talk story. Tech-assisted options include Hale Hōʻikeʻike at the Bailey House/ Maui Historical Society (2375A Main St, Wailuku, HI 96793), available between 2-4 pm on Feb 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 or 21 or at Hawaii Council for the Humanities (3599 Waialae Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816), available between 3-5 pm any Mon/ Weds or Fri through Feb 21. Please sign this consent form and have your partner do the same.
Each partner may select 4-5 of the "Sample Questions & Prompts" below, or create your own prior to your scheduled recording. Feel free to go “off-script” and ask follow-up questions. You can tell jokes, stories, share photos, objects, memories or choose another way to help you get there.
Once settled into the recording space, the technician will signal to you that time has started. You'll have 40-minutes to talk story from this point. Start by stating your name, age, the date, and the place where you are - and let your match do the same. Then begin.
When pau, ask the technician to take a photo of the 2 of you together and send it to us. That's it!

TIPS

Engaging participants with respect (READ)
The interview day (READ)
Recording day checklist (READ)

SAMPLE QUESTIONS + PROMPTS from Lei Pua ʻAla

Where did you grow up (ages 0-18)? List multiple locations if applicable.
What is one thing that makes you feel at home?
Tell me about a wahi pana (special place)
When did you come out? What was the reaction like? How do you define coming out?
What has made you feel safe?
If anything, what scares you?
What makes you feel empowered?
Tell me your life story in as much detail as possible in four minutes
Tell me about a person or experience that made an impact on the direction of your life.
Tell me about a person that is most important to you. What makes them special?
Did you have any mentors or role models (can be celebrities) that could help with the coming out experience?
What was your first visit to a gay-related place or event like? What did you expect to find? Did the reality fit your expectations, or was it completely different?
Did being part of the LGBTQ+ community bring you in contact with people of different cultural backgrounds? How did that affect your circumstances and/or outlook?
What kinds of māhū/queer stories are missing from our public memory?
Have you ever been a part of LGBTQ activism? Why/why not?
How did political thinking/climate or community thinking affect your involvement in or support of gay rights?
How do you express your love (and also be not-romantic)?
What is something you are proud of that you have done in your life?
Who is a (queer) person you’ve admired because of their role in your community?
What was a miracle moment in your life? Where were you? Who was with you (who doesnʻt have to be human)?
What is a story that helps you breathe better?
What does a loving life look like to you?
How are things different from when you were growing up?
Tell me about a community place that was important to you, but has changed or isnʻt physically accessible anymore.
What was a time that you look back on really influencing the queer community of today?
What stories have made you feel like better futures are possible?
How do you make yourself laugh or what is a story or memory that brings you laughter/joy?
What would you hope for younger people who are becoming adults?

Sources and models for questions:

36 Questions for for Civic Love and Hawaiʻi Youth Addition (LINK)
Nashville Queer History Oral History Interview (LINK)
Northwest Lesbian and Gay History Museum Project (LINK)

ADDITIONAL SAMPLE QUESTIONS + PROMPTS

Can you share a bit about where you grew up and what your community was like?
What are some defining moments in your life that have shaped who you are today?
How do you describe your identity, and what does it mean to you?
Can you describe a moment of celebration related to your identity?
Can you share when and how you first understood your sexual orientation or gender identity?
How has your identity influenced your relationships with family, friends, or your community?
Are there any places or landmarks in Hawaii that hold special significance to the queer community or its history? (Discuss as many as you can identify)
Are there specific historical moments in Hawaii that you feel have shaped the queer community here? Where were they and what is your understanding of what happened?
Can you share memories or stories about key LGBTQ+ advocacy groups or leaders in Hawaii?
How has Hawaii’s cultural or spiritual history, including concepts like mahu (third-gender or nonbinary individuals), influenced your understanding of queer identity?
Can you describe how the visibility of queer people has changed in Hawaii over time, from your perspective?
What role have indigenous Hawaiian values, such as aloha and ohana, played in shaping the acceptance of queer individuals? or - How has Hawaii’s unique cultural identity influenced the way queer rights and inclusion have developed here?
Are there traditional Hawaiian or other cultural practices or stories that have helped you feel connected to or understood in your identity?
Were you or someone you know involved in the push for civil unions or marriage equality in Hawaii? What was that experience like?
How do you think the HIV/AIDS crisis impacted the queer community in Hawaii, and what do you remember about the response to it?
Are there specific events or gatherings in Hawaii, like Pride celebrations or cultural festivals, that have been particularly significant to you?
How have you seen queer-friendly spaces, like bars, clubs, or community centers, evolve in Hawaii over the years?
Can you recall moments when queer stories or voices were represented in local Hawaiian art, music, or media?
Can you share how generational attitudes in Hawaii toward queerness have shifted, whether within your family or in broader society?
What lessons from Hawaii’s queer history do you think are most important to pass on to younger generations?
What do you hope historians will highlight about queer life in Hawaii when they reflect on the current era?
If you could preserve one story about Hawaii’s queer history for future generations, what would it be?
Can you describe a time when you felt particularly supported as a queer individual (or ally)?
Have you faced any challenges or discrimination related to queer identity? If so, how did you navigate them?
What role, if any, has your workplace or school played in shaping your experiences as a queer person or ally?
Can you share an instance where someone’s empathy or understanding changed your experience?
How have societal attitudes toward queer people changed during your lifetime?
What does community mean to you, and how have you found or built community?
Have you ever participated in events or organizations supporting queer rights? What was that like?
How do you approach conversations about queer rights with people who might not agree with you?
Are there particular allies or role models who have inspired you?
How would you like to see your community grow or change in terms of inclusion and support for queer people?
What brings you joy or pride about being part of the queer community (or supporting it)?
What role does art, culture, or storytelling play in expressing or validating your identity?
Who or what makes you feel most seen and valued as a queer individual (or ally)?
What traditions or practices have you created or embraced that reflect your authentic self?
What changes would you like to see in public attitudes toward queer rights in the next decade?
If you could share one piece of advice or wisdom with the next generation of queer individuals, what would it be?
How can allies and community members better support queer people in meaningful ways?
What gives you hope for the future of queer inclusion and rights?
What message do you wish everyone could hear and understand about the queer experience?

Project Timeline

8/29/24: Kelly's introductory meeting with Joe Wilson & Dean Hamer, directors at Kanaka Pakipika / Qwaves / Kapaemahu Project
9/5/24: Meeting #2 joined by Aiko Yamashiro, E.D. of Hawai'i Council for the Humanities and partner in leadership of the Lei Pua 'Ala Queer Histories of Hawai'i project.
9/23/24: Kelly develops 3 proposal options: Short-term option = large-scale exhibition of Queer focused artwork; Mid-term option = mural RFQ; Long-term option = Hui Mo‘olelo & Open Call for Public Art
9/26/24: Meeting #3 joined by poet Lyz Soto & MPAC logistics maven Hoku Pavao
10/4/24: Aiko opts for Hui Mo‘olelo option with a poetry activation and response event/s and commits funds to MPAC
11/22/24: Meeting #4: Joined by Sissy Lake-Farm to meet the team & offer 3 dates for virtual Hui Mo‘olelo sessions, with the potential for a 4th in-person event at Hale Hōʻikeʻike at the Bailey House/ Maui Historical Society. Also joined today by Nohelani Teves, associate professor of women, gender, and sexuality studies at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
12/9/24: Kelly shares a revised MOU with Aiko to signal official partnership launch (executed Jan 7, 2025)
12/20/24: Kelly, Hoku & Sissy meet to review Maui cohort nominees (Sample invitation HERE)
1/9/24: Meeting #5: Kelly and Sissy meet with Joe Wilson to set the tone for next week's project launch
1/14/25: Meeting #6: Aiko, Lani, Lyz and Kelly meet to finalize agenda, cohort participants, story prompts and discuss potential needs for upcoming recordings.
1/16/25: Hui Mo‘olelo workshop #1 | (11 am - 1 pm) [A. Introductions. B. Hui Mo‘olelo program background/ about us. C. Lei Pua ʻAla Queer Histories of Hawaiʻi background/ about us. D. story prompt. E. time allowing = where these stories have landed, pau.]
1/23/25: Hui Mo‘olelo workshop #2 | (11 am - 1 pm) [A. what is story & its meaning in the modern context. B. story prompt. C. share self-recorded video story assignment]
1/30/25: Hui Mo‘olelo workshop #3 | (11 am - 1 pm) [A. how it felt to record a story. B. who will you be inviting to talk-story? C. story prompt. D. which tools and skillsets are required to share stories? E. final thoughts before closing Hui Mo‘olelo]
2/5/25: Meeting #7: Aiko, Lyz & Kelly discuss potential pop-up performance sites, ideas and promotional plans for the RFP
2/20/25: Meeting #8: Joe, Aiko, Lyz & Kelly RFP brainstorm session
2/24/25: Deadline to complete Hui Mo‘olelo recordings (Maui = the Bailey House Museum. Oahu = the HI Council for the Humanities office)
2/28/25: Deadline to edit a collection of 2-3 minute Hui Mo‘olelo excerpts for the RFP
3/1/25: Release RFP (eNewsletter) Note: RFP will have multiple categories (see our most recent RFP "Project Descriptions" as an example) that include other MPAC project partnerships.
- Transcribe excerpts
- Panel review scheduled for April
3/3/25: "Call for artist proposals for Hui Mo‘olelo Lei Pua ʻAla; Deadline is March 31, 2025" (Maui Now)
3/3/25: "Artists invited to interpret recorded moʻolelo for public art projects" (Hawaiʻi Public Radio)
3/4/25: Meeting #9: Joe, Aiko, Lyz, Hoku & Kelly review public relations plans/ ideas to recruit artist proposals
3/5/25: "Call for Artist Proposals: Hui Mo‘olelo: Lei Pua ʻAla" (The Maui News)
3/31/25: RFP deadline
4/11/25: MPAC public art project panel reviews & artist vetting complete
4/14/25: Issue artist contract to Christopher Kaui Morgan
4/22/25: Artist orientation & ‘Ōlelo No‘eau meeting (WATCH)
4/24/25: Meeting #10: Joe, Aiko, Lyz, Hoku, Ann-Marie & Kelly review applicants that selected an LPA story recording. LPA opts to engage Sean Choo's proposal at a later date.
4/29/25: Storyteller consultation with Francis Taua, Hōkū Pavao, Sean Choo, William Ha‘o, Christopher Morgan & MPAC (WATCH)
5/6/25: Community consultation with Lei Pua ʻAla Queer Histories of Hawaiʻi project of the Hawaiʻi Council for the Humanities and Aloha Maui Pride (WATCH)
5/13/25: Community consultation with Father Moki Hino, Good Shepherd Episcopal Church (WATCH)
5/14/25: Maui Public Art Corps Announces Pua Liʻiliʻi (small flowers): A suite of short solo dance performances inspired by Hui Mo’olelo Lei Pua ‘Ala (READ)
5/15/25: Pop-up performances to premiere in Wailuku inspired by Queer Hawaiian moʻolelo (Maui Now)
6/12/25: Maui Public Art June Activities: Join Us! (eNewsletter)
6/13/25: Wailuku Town public art walk-story with Hōkū Pavao & Francis Taua
6/13/25: Community Engagement Matters in Public Art: Join Us in June to Connect, Learn, and Co-Create (READ)
6/14/25: Pop-up performance in collaboration with Aloha Maui Pride Festival on Market Street, Wailuku (6:45 pm)
6/16/25: Talk Story on the Land —a guided walk at Waiheʻe Coastal Dunes & Wetlands Refuge led by Scott Fisher, Director of ʻĀina Stewardship at Hawaiʻi Land Trust (1:30 - 3:30 pm)
6/19/25: Pop-up performance on the front lawn of Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, Wailuku (5 pm)

​Hui Mo‘olelo: Lei Pua ʻAla​