Keaukaha Hawaiian Homestead Quick Build Project Beautifies and Enhances Neighborhood Safety
VIDEO COURTESY OF LANIHULI KANEHELE AA MEDIA PRODUCTION
The Keaukaha Elementary School Quick Build Project addressed longstanding safety and health concerns around Hualani Park, Keaukaha Elementary School, and two other schools that collectively comprise the center (piko) of the Keaukaha Hawaiian homestead community. The project was led by the County of Hawai‘i and funded through a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – Education (SNAP-Ed) grant from the State Department of Health. Safety improvements achieved through the quick build project include a continuous walking and biking pathway around the piko, as well as street murals to beautify and celebrate the area’s history and culture.
Keaukaha Quick Build was a collaborative effort driven by a stakeholder group including representatives from the Keaukaha Community Association (KCA), local schools, State and County agencies, and non-governmental organizations. The project team developed and presented design alternatives to the broader community through a survey as well as events in the park and at the Elementary School’s vaccine fair. Nearly 90 people participated in the survey, with the results indicating overwhelming support for the project.
Photo Credit: Lanihuli Kanehele Aa Media Production & SSFM International, Inc.
Keaukaha-based artist Kawehi Mahi-Roberts was selected to design and install the murals. Kawehi worked with the schools and KCA on the street art design, showcasing native plants (hala, laua‘e, and kukui) important to the community, as well as imagery that refects the meaning of Keaukaha in Hawaiian – “the passing current.” Area residents participated in installation of the murals at a community event.
Since installation, the project has received positive feedback from school users and community members/ The project is a notable example of a State/County collaboration benefiting a predominantly native Hawaiian community. In recognition of its community-driven and collaborative nature, the project was honored with the 2022 American Planning Association, Hawai‘i Chapter award for Community Based Planning.
KEAUKAHA HAWAIIAN HOMESTEAD QUICK BUILD PROJECT BEAUTIFIES AND ENHANCES NEIGHBORHOOD SAFETY
VIDEO COURTESY OF LANIHULI KANEHELE AA MEDIA PRODUCTION
A community collaboration to improve safety and health.
The Keaukaha Elementary School Quick Build Project addressed longstanding safety and health concerns around Hualani Park, Keaukaha Elementary School, and two other schools that collectively comprise the center (piko) of the Keaukaha Hawaiian homestead community. The project was led by the County of Hawai‘i and funded through a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – Education (SNAP-Ed) grant from the State Department of Health. Safety improvements achieved through the quick build project include a continuous walking and biking pathway around the piko, as well as street murals to beautify and celebrate the area’s history and culture.
Keaukaha Quick Build was a collaborative effort driven by a stakeholder group including representatives from the Keaukaha Community Association (KCA), local schools, State and County agencies, and non-governmental organizations. The project team developed and presented design alternatives to the broader community through a survey as well as events in the park and at the Elementary School’s vaccine fair. Nearly 90 people participated in the survey, with the results indicating overwhelming support for the project.
Photo Credit: Lanihuli Kanehele Aa Media Production & SSFM International, Inc.
Keaukaha-based artist Kawehi Mahi-Roberts was selected to design and install the murals. Kawehi worked with the schools and KCA on the street art design, showcasing native plants (hala, laua‘e, and kukui) important to the community, as well as imagery that refects the meaning of Keaukaha in Hawaiian – “the passing current.” Area residents participated in installation of the murals at a community event.
Since installation, the project has received positive feedback from school users and community members/ The project is a notable example of a State/County collaboration benefiting a predominantly native Hawaiian community. In recognition of its community-driven and collaborative nature, the project was honored with the 2022 American Planning Association, Hawai‘i Chapter award for Community Based Planning.