The unassuming campus mural has impact to spark inspiration, affirm school culture, and color core memories. For this school year, the monthly Mural Moʻolelo will feature the meaningful artwork found on public school walls, gyms and buildings. The series will delve into mural history and how they create pilina between students, school, community and legacy. The series’ first post highlights a first — the state’s first stained-glass mural. “Kīpapa and the Path of Light” stands at a stately 18 feet 6 inches by 14 feet overlooking Kīpapa Elementary.
Former teacher Susan Kam first conceived of the mural and rallied to have the Hawaiʻi State Foundation on Culture and the Arts commission a work that would express the heart of the school and bring students, staff and community together. Hawaiʻi Island artist Calley O’Neill skillfully designed “Easter egg” pilina within the mural — subtle, hidden references that a creator includes for observant viewers to discover — inviting students, staff, their ʻohana, and community members to lend their hand at fitting together 15,000 Mexican smalti mosaic tiles for the outer border. Piece by piece, 115 students and 60 adult volunteers added their mana to the mural.
Drawing on school colors, O’Neill wove in earthy browns and golds into the mural and pineapples on the four corners to frame the piece and herald the plantation history of the surrounding land. The vibrant blue of the Mililani skies plays a dominant role in the color scheme.
Hula siblings Hiapo and Kuʻuipo, alumni of the school, dance above the supportive outstretched hands of the community. The model for the hands was well-known community elder, Uncle Herman Kanae, expressing how legacy and knowledge pass in a never-ending loop between kupuna, student and school.
Growing between the students is kalo rooted steadfast in culture and tradition, forming solid ground for students to flourish. A kukui tree, long representative of light, peace and education, grows from the corms and sprouts a patchwork-canopy backdrop for the dancers.
On a recent visit to Kīpapa Elementary to view the newly restored mural, Hiapo mused, “Wow, I can’t believe it has been that long!”
Hiapo (also known as Daniel-William Elisaga) and his sister danced in a fourth-grade talent show where they were “discovered” for starring roles in the mural. Hiapo came back from Mililani Middle to make a guest appearance, dancing alongside his sister for the mural unveiling. He graduated from Mililani High and attended Honolulu Community College. Hiapo returned to work at his alma mater and is now an educational assistant at Alvah Scott Elementary.
