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Public Invited to Create and Dedicate Paper Manuokū Birds for Community Art Project on Memorial Day

Families and people of all ages are invited to join in on the fun as Our Kaka‘ako pays tribute to the manuokū bird (white tern), Honolulu’s official bird, through a community art project on Memorial Day weekend, May 29 - 30, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Kaloko‘eli Courtyard, the small park next to H Mart Kaka‘ako and in front of The Flats at Pu‘unui at 440 Keawe Street.

The event is free and open to the public. Activities will include:

• Paper bird making by participants who will assemble their manuokū and dedicate their hand-crafted creations to someone special in their lives by writing an inspiring message on it. The birds with their heartfelt messages will be on display through June 13 on the fence of The Barn at SALT at Our Kaka‘ako, located at 327 Keawe Street.
• Younger keiki at the activity tent will also be making a manuokū paper finger puppet.
• Folks at home can get a jumpstart on the art project by downloading the digital outline print of the manuokū from www.OurKakaako.com/manuoku. They can drop off their dedicated paper bird at the activity tent on May 29 or 30 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. to have it included in the community art display.
• On Saturday, May 29 at 11:00 - 11:30 a.m., event participants can listen to the talk-story session with marine biologist Susan Scott, author of “Hawai‘i’s White Tern, Manu-o-Kū, an Urban Seabird,” who will discuss the bird’s unique characteristics, its significance to Hawai‘i and the Hawaiian culture, and ways to protect this native seabird.

“As we welcome the summer and the safe return of fun outdoor activities, we want to invite people to learn about this frequent visitor and friend of the Kaka‘ako region, the manuokū bird, which has symbolized in Hawaiian culture the start of summer and the way home for traditional navigators,” said Serge Krivatsy, Kamehameha Schools commercial real estate director of planning and development. “Providing fun and educational experiences for this innovative community is included in our vision for Our Kaka‘ako.”

For more information, visit www.OurKakaako.com/manuoku. COVID-19 social distancing guidelines will be in place throughout the event, and all participants are reminded to wear face masks. This event is sponsored in part by the Kaiāulu ‘o Kaka‘ako Owners Association.