Lā Hoʻihoʻi Ea, highlighting sovereignty and the arts

HONOLULU (KHON2) — Oahu will celebrate Lā Hoʻihoʻi Ea, or Sovereignty Restoration Day, at Thomas Square in Honolulu, a historic site marking the restoration of Hawaii’s sovereignty in 1843.

The event will feature community-created art and hands-on activities that emphasize local cultural practices.

Beginning at 10 a.m., Saturday, July 27, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in workshops using organic materials such as lauhala (pandanus), ʻohe (bamboo), and niu (coconut).

The celebration will also include exhibitions of photography and multimedia art, performances, poetry readings, and the sharing of moʻolelo (stories).

This year’s festivities are part of a broader national initiative called Arts for EveryBody, which aims to highlight the benefits of arts participation for individual and community health. Events are planned in 17 other cities and rural areas across the country, where thousands are expected to engage in large-scale participatory art projects.

Research indicates that participation in the arts can significantly improve mental health, with older adults reporting a 48% lower risk of depression and a 44% reduction in dementia. Benefits of arts involvement are said to rival those of regular exercise, helping to alleviate stress and loneliness, which are linked to various health issues, including hypertension and heart disease.

The day’s schedule includes:

• 10 a.m. : Hōʻeu Mana opens with artists and cultural practitioners reactivating moʻolelo around the theme of EA (sovereignty).
• 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. : Workshops and exhibitions featuring lauhala weaving, kapa, lomilomi, hip hop, block printing, community sculpture, and more. Exhibits include the Hōʻeu Mana Akua Wahine, Kūʻē Memorial Wall, and various murals.
• 12:45 p.m. – 2 p.m. : Guest speaker Uncle Walter Ritte, hosted by the Sierra Club.
• 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. : Performances by 808 Breakers, Dancer’s Unlimited, and poetry readings.
• 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. : Evening film screenings and Q&As for “For the Future,” “Ke Kahea: Invitation into Sacred Space,” and “Ka Lā Hoʻihoʻi Ea.”

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The Lā Hoʻihoʻi Ea celebration invites the community to engage with the arts and reflect on the significance of sovereignty in Hawaiian culture, fostering healing and reconciliation through creative expression.

For more information visit the Arts for EveryBody website.