Main fundraiser photo

Konawaena Mural Restoration

Donation protected
Front Panels are still in the works August 2019

Mauka side is up May 2019


Makai Side is up May 2019





Update April 2019
Martin Charlot has completed over 50% of the panels for the mural. He displayed some of his work at the Konawaena High Showcase this past March at Keauhou Shopping Center. More funds are needed to complete the work.  Your Donation is greatly appreciated!
ALL FUNDS COLLECTED THRU GOFUNDME GO DIRECTLY TO THE KONAWAENA FOUNDATION

Update February 2019
Martin Charlot arrived in Kealakekua mid December 2018 and began to work on restoring the mural. The old panels were taken down and new panels started. He began working on the mauka panels first.

Mr. Charlot is more than half way done, but additional funds are needed to complete the project

Donations are welcome on our go fund me site, or by check to Konawaena Foundation

In 1976, artist Martin Charlot, completed the multi-panel mural on the now Elison Onizuka Gymnasium, as an inspired gift to the students  and community. "Ohana, Hooponopono, Kokua" (Family, Reconciliation, Assistance) offers a picture of teamwork and cooperation. As students enter the gym, they are inspired by a massive and vivid depiction of healthy individuals living together harmoniously within a scenic island backdrop.

In 1976 artist Martin Charlot was commissioned by the state of Hawaii to create a mural for the exterior of the then new Konawaena High School gymnasium.  The mural, “Ohana Ho’oponopono Kona” measures 5’3”x162’ and depicts Kona past, present, and future.  Many residents of South Kona were used as models for the images depicted in the work.  It is without a doubt an important and historic part of Konawaena High School and its wonderful community. 

The mural has since weathered forty years of elemental damage and had been slated for destruction by the State of Hawaii.  In an incredible chain of events spanning over ten years (which included Konawaena High School eventually gaining ownership of the work), the school and Mr. Charlot have reconnected!  All involved wholeheartedly agree that it is imperative the mural be conserved for future generations hence this mural restoration project and request for donations.  In 1992 the gymnasium was named for Konawaena Alum Col. Ellison Onizuka.  When restoring the piece (recreating it new in the places too damaged to save), Martin will also add a prominent depiction of Col. Onizuka to this already significant work.

Please help us by donating to this incredible project.  With many in-kind donations and Mr. Charlot’s generosity included, we estimate the project to take 3-4 months and cost approximately $65,000.  The school’s goal is to get this project underway as soon as possible, in time for its 100th anniversary!  Any amount that individuals or organizations can afford is greatly appreciated!  Mahalo for your kokua, consideration, and generosity!

Mr. Charlot grew up in Hawaii and apprenticed with his father Jean Charlot, a major influence in the Spanish mural movement.  This particular mural was Martin’s first and like the community of South Kona, is near and dear to his heart.  His work spans five decades and many continents with incredible examples of his talent on display in the Kahala Theaters, Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, and Disney’s Aulani Resort just to name a few local examples.  Everyone is encouraged to see more of his amazing work at martincharlot.com.

 Need:  Since 1976, many generations of our community have walked under the mural on their way  into the gymnasium for graduation ceremonies and sporting events.   This treasured piece of art is currently suffering from flaking, discoloration and abrasions and is in dire need of restoration.

Martin Charlot is committed to the restoration and is very anxious to see his artwork restored.  The artist anticipates that the work will take three months to complete and a budget of approximately $65,000.00.  

Student achievement is often purely looked at from the perspective of the strength of the curriculum and the quality of the teachers. However, study after study demonstrates that facilities themselves have a huge impact on student behavior, grades, teacher tenure and even community satisfaction!

We believe that the historic and beautiful mural that has long been part of the school community will add to the positive environment and the collective pride of Konawaena High School.

Funds raised on this account will go to the Konawaena Foundation. The Konawaena Foundation was established in the Fall of 2000 to help support higher education at Konawaena High School. As a Foundation organized for charitable purposes under Internal Revenue Service Code Section 501(c)(3),

The Konawaena Foundation and Konawaena High School have commited funds for supplies, etc. Our group is raising the remaining funds needed to complete the project.

For more information on contributing to the project, please contact: [email redacted]

Organizer and beneficiary

Gloria Krier Matthews
Organizer
Honalo, HI
Konawaena Foundation
Beneficiary

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