Department of Land and Natural Resources

DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES
News Release

NEIL ABERCROMBIE GOVERNOR

WILLIAM J. AILA JR, CHAIRPERSON

For Immediate News Release February 28, 2014 

CELEBRATE NATIVE SPECIES, CULTURE AND SUSTAINABLE
PRACTICES IN KAULUWEHI 2014 JURIED LEI ART 
CONTEST AND EXHIBITION, APRIL 19-25

HILO — Amateurs and professional lei artists of all ages are invited to demonstrate their lei-making skills in Kauluwehi 2014, a juried lei art contest and exhibition celebrating the native species, Hawaiian culture and sustainable picking practices on Hawaii Island.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) and DLNR Hawaii Island Natural Area Reserves (NARS), the Three Mountain Alliance (TMA) and the Wailoa Arts and Cultural Center are sponsors.

There are three main categories for entries: kahiko (traditional style lei), ‘auana (contemporary lei) and lei hulu (feather lei).

The kahiko category features several subcategories, each showcasing a particular material such as the leaves, flowers, or the fruit and seed of a plant.

The ‘auana category moves away from the traditional style of lei making by incorporating recycled materials, synthetic materials and exotic plant materials. Lei will be judged on craftsmanship, creativeness of design, uniqueness of material and the complexity or effort applied.

All lei entries, accompanying entry form and a $5 fee for each entry must be submitted at the Wailoa Arts and Cultural Center on Saturday, April 19 between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m.

Lei entries will be displayed at the Wailoa Arts and Cultural Center during Merrie Monarch week, April 19-25 (closed on Sunday). All lei must remain on display during the exhibition. At the end of the competition, contestants may pick up their lei or donate them to the Kauluwehi Committee, which will use them as recognition lei for winners of the Hawaii Nei Art Contest, a non-profit that celebrates Hawaii’s native species through art.

For more contest rules, information and entry form for Kauluwehi Lei Contest go to https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dofaw/education/kauluwehi, or contact Anya Tagawa, outreach and education specialist of the DLNR Hawaii Island NARS at [email protected] or (808) 443-4245.

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Media Contact:

Deborah Ward
Public Information Specialist
(808) 587-0320