Heritage – Historic Hawaii Foundation

Artist Kirk Kurokawa Brushes Strokes of Meaning into Nisei Veterans Memorial Center Mural

4/15/20: Historic Hawai‘i Foundation is honored to present a Programmatic Award to the Mural Wall at the Nisei Veterans Memorial Center located in Kahului on the island of Maui. Local artist Kirk Kurokawa created this larger-than-life mural on a bare concrete wall using ordinary house paint. The mural is being recognized as an educational resource reminding the public of a significant event in Hawai‘i’s history and how it impacted the Maui community. It is a reminder of what these men stood for and the sacrifices that is a made as a result of war. “The Nisei Memorial is accessible to the general public, both physically and in terms of its presentation and content,” remarked Adriane Truluck, a member of the Selection Committee after visiting the site. “Wordlessly and with striking imagery, it conveys an empathetic portrayal of the Nisei veterans, connecting today’s audience, be it descendants, residents, or visitors, to the veterans and their experience.” In his nomination of the project, Maui architect Jim Niess pointed out that, “Because these images were originally taken prior to (the use of) color photography, the artist reproduced them as the black and white originals which adds a subtle touch to its powerful imagery.” Applying this approach, the artist was able to give the mural a true sense of integrity and connection to the past. Historic preservation has so many different aspects and the mural illustrates how important it is to recognize and celebrate all forms of interpretation. “Art is absolutely important because it is universal,” states Kurokawa. “Art can reach and speak to everyone no matter who they are and where they may come from. Particularly ‘public art’ has great potential to bring a community together and to [...]

Why Preserving our Shared Heritage Matters

Indiana Jones saw the importance of history Hawaii Army Weekly, February 5, 2016 Story and photos by Chaplain (Maj.) John Grauer Plans and Operations U.S. Army Garrison – Hawaii Grauer Indiana Jones, the fictional adventurer/archeologist, searches for valuable artifacts of great historical significance, giving us a glimmer of his character as one who seeks great historical antiquities. Like the fictional Indiana Jones, Austin Henry Layard has been seen Austin Henry Layard by many historians to be the person who led to the historical discovery of the ancient city of Nimrud in the 1840s. The story of its discovery was one of great historical significance. It brought to us the reality of connecting the past with the future and what it means for us when we forget our historical roots to past civilizations that are lost to us. Have you ever misplaced a cell phone? We all have. I can guess what happened: You panicked! You retraced your steps, turned your residence upside down until you found your phone and then you were relieved. But what happens when you lose something and don’t find it? What happens when something that you cherish is lost? While surfing near Haleiwa, I was hit by a wave and knocked around. My wedding ring slipped off my finger, fell into the water and slowly disappeared. It was gone! It was gone forever! Historical Church Mosul A few weeks ago, I was angered at the news of an ancient church in Iraq that was destroyed. I remember that church. I walked through this ancient place, and many other places of great historical importance, like the ruins of Nimrud, set during the time of Assyrian King (883 to 859 BC). North Western [...]