KAILUA-KONA — Four local artists have worked diligently this week to replace an old mural in the center of Kailua-Kona and bring a new work of art to life.
Miho Morinoue, Gerald Lucena, Eugene Menor and Ira Stivers have worked since Friday to paint the new mural, titled “Aloha Aina,” at the intersection of Palani Road and Kuakini Highway.
In a colorful burst of paint, the words etched across the mural reflect its title. The mountains, flora and fauna on the cement canvass reflect the artists’ views of the spirit of Hawaii Island.
“The premise is: from mauka to makai,” Lucena said. “It’s kind of more of an abstract piece of art. You see the outline of Hualalai, the mountain, in the center, and abstract ideas of the land throughout.”
The mural replaces another created in 2006, and both were sponsored by the Donkey Mill Art Center. The previous one was also painted by Lucena, with the help of keiki as part of the Youth Mural Project.
Despite his fond memories of the previous mural, Lucena thought a fresh coat of paint was needed for the wall along the busy downtown crossroads.
“It was peeling off and there wasn’t a lot of care taken to keep it fresh, so I think it was time,” he said. “This is kind of like the second chapter for me.”
Menor and Stivers have worked together on several mural projects around Kailua-Kona, including the pueo mural found on Luhia Street.
Painting was completed Wednesday, and only an application of a clear coating to protect the finished product is left for the artists to apply.
Lucena and Stivers said the reception the artists received while working on the wall has been nothing but positive from drivers and pedestrians passing through town.
Because of its central location in town, the artists said Donkey Mill Art Center was careful to create a mural that could be loved by everyone.
“They got the idea, and then they asked the different kumus around the island what was proper and what would be a good theme for the mural,” Menor said.
Email Elizabeth Pitts at epitts@westhawaiitoday.com.