May. 17, 2017

Contributed by Mae Nishimura

Get your shop on while supporting Native Hawaiian entrepreneurs at Pa‘akai Marketplace, slated for May 19 and 20, from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Kamehameha Schools retail complex – SALT at Our Kaka‘ako!

The weekend event will feature products created by MAMo artists and designers – from traditional lauhala jewelry by Pi‘iali‘i, to paintings and kapa accessories by Pukoa Studios. Other artists will include Keala Designs, Hina, Na Maka Kahiko, and Kāne Clothing Co.

To keep the shopping experience upbeat, the event will also include live music by Duncan Kamakana and Mike Tulba on Friday, and Left of Right and DJ Shift on Saturday.

This month’s event is unique because it is the first time that Paʻakai Marketplace will feature solely MAMo artists. MAMo, or the “Maoli Arts Movement,” is the creation of the PAʻI Foundation, whose mission is to preserve and perpetuate Native Hawaiian arts and culture for future generations.

In the past, Paʻakai Marketplace has highlighted the importance of buying local, but this month the spotlight will be on Native Hawaiian vendors.

“It is a significant milestone in the development of the lāhui Hawai‘i,” said Executive Director of the PAʻI Foundation Vicky Holt Takamine. “The fact that we can have an event that showcases Native Hawaiian entrepreneurship means Native Hawaiians are becoming a contending force in the business community.

“Having a space that supports Native Hawaiian entrepreneurship results in the overall support of the Native Hawaiian community, and I am glad PAʻI Foundation and Our Kakaʻako could lend a hand in creating that space.”

SALT at Our Kaka‘ako and the PA‘I Foundation have collaborated to offer Pa‘akai Marketplace to shoppers since October 2016. Held on the third Friday and Saturday of the month, the shopping event strives to unite local artists and Hawaiian culture with the community.

STRATEGIC PLAN 2020
SP2020 is a five-year strategic plan that will guide Kamehameha Schools from 2015 to 2020. The plan marks a starting point toward KS’ Vision 2040, which envisions success for all Native Hawaiian learners.

This collaborative event addresses Goal 3 of SP2020 which calls for shared customs, values and behaviors that strengthen KS’ identity as a Native Hawaiian organization. It also supports Action 6 of Kamehameha’s Ten Actions for fiscal year 2016-2017 relating to adopting cultural principles in the stewardship of real estate assets.

Photos courtesy of the PA‘I Foundation.

Chayla Nakamoto, who contributed this story, is a 2014 Kamehameha Schools Kapālama graduate serving as a communications intern with the Communications Group. She is a senior attending the University of Southern California where she will complete her bachelor of arts degree in English and is currently considering career options in publishing.

The fact that we can have an event that showcases Native Hawaiian entrepreneurship means Native Hawaiians are becoming a contending force in the business community.
Vicky Holt Takamine - Executive Director, PAʻI Foundation