Lā Ho’iho’i Ea, which emphasizes sovereignty and art

Hawaii Statehood Restoration Day will be celebrated in Honolulu, Hawaii on Sunday, July 30, 2023.

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

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

On Saturday 27 July the workshops will start at 10:00. They will use organic materials such as lauhala (pandanus), ʻohe (bamboo) and niu (coconut).

The festival also includes photography and multimedia art exhibitions, 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 health benefits of arts participation for individuals and communities. Events are planned in 17 other cities and rural areas across the country, where thousands of people are expected to take part in large-scale participatory arts projects.

Research shows that participating in the arts can significantly improve mental health, with older adults reporting a 48% lower risk of depression and a 44% reduction in dementia. The benefits of participating in the arts may rival those of regular exercise, and help alleviate stress and loneliness, which are linked to several health conditions, including hypertension and heart disease.

The day’s program includes:

• 10 in the morning: Hōʻeu Mana begins with artists and cultural practitioners reviving moʻolelo around the theme of EA (sovereignty).
• 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM: Workshops and exhibitions featuring lauhala weaving, kapa, lomilomi, hip hop, block printing, community sculpture and more. Exhibitions include the Hōʻeu Mana Akua Wahine, Kūʻē Memorial Wall and various murals.
• 12:45 pm – 2:00 pm: Guest speaker Uncle Walter Ritte, organized by the Sierra Club.
• 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Performances by 808 Breakers, Dancer’s Unlimited and poetry readings.
• 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM: Evening film screenings and Q&As for “For the Future,” “Ke Kahea: Invitation into Sacred Space,” and “Ka Lā Hoʻihoʻi Ea.”

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

Visit the Arts for EveryBody website for more information.