“Share a Shaka” is a public art project and gift to the people of Hawai’i by Hawaii-based 501C3 non-profit Bizgenics. Bizgenics is providing the design and funding to build and install a 9’ tall marine-grade aluminum Shaka monument. An appropriate location is being sought. “Share a Shaka” is our latest Project Shaka initiative.
The project grew out of “Shaka, A Story of Aloha”, a documentary produced by Bizgenics in association with Henry Kapono Foundation and Sight & Sound Hawai‘i. Kamehameha Schools is also involved as it provided first funding and cultural consultants. Noteworthy members of the film’s creative team include Grammy nominated music director Henry Kapono, award-winning Hawaiian Director Alex Boccheri, Co-Exec Producer Bryan Spicer (producer/director of Hawaii Five-O and Magnum PI) and Exec Producer/Producer Steve Sue. Additional Project Shaka programs include a thought leader Shaka Summit (suggested and moderated by First Lady Dawn Ige and additional sessions moderated by Senator Glenn Wakai), a free Shaka Sticker program (suggested by Vicky Cayetano), a Shaka Curriculum series (commissioned by the Hawaii Workforce Development Council and implemented at the State Youth Services Center), and a Hawaii Shaka License Plate program (suggested by Ryan Ozawa).
The intent of the monument is to share the aloha spirit with the world. It’s also intended to provide a modern photo opportunity that builds Hawaii’s brand in a strong and positive light.
Location Requirements
The ideal location should offer the following attributes:
- High Visibility: Drive-by visibility to attract both locals and visitors.
- Public Space: A location that clearly designates it as a gift to the people.
- Picturesque View: Offers a distinctive view for the monument to frame.
- Photo Space: Offers space for the public to pose for and take photographs.
- Sunny: Bright lighting conditions for photography and to repel birds (see below).
The Design
The monument is designed to achieve the following:
- An “aloha ’aina” Frame: The monument is a statement of aloha ’aina designed as a permeable frame to highlight an iconic Hawai’i view. Unlike most traditional monuments that are designed as barrier backdrops, the intent of this piece is as an “un-monument” that honors and serves the land and sea beyond.
Iconic & Timeless: the design represents a pure expression of the Shaka gesture to create a city asset that will stand the test of time. - “Kupe‘e Lei” Shrubs Around Footing: Ferns or other shrubs representative of a “Kupe‘e Lei” will encircle the surrounding ground area to discourage the public from making direct contact with the monument. An 18” raised concrete footing will have embedded anchor bolts cast into it to receive the monument and an explanatory plaque.
- Powder Coated Brushed Aluminum: The monument is intended to reflect the colors of the surrounding environment to elegantly integrate with and become part of the landscape rather than dominate it. A marine-grade aluminum (3/16th thick) with a soft metallic powder coating finish allows for ambient color reflection without causing the potential glare of a polished monument. A matt metallic finish is a more casual presentation that is in keeping with the casual nature of Hawai’i.
- Insulation Filled Bulkheads: Fabricators have recommended that the monument be built in bulkheads with foam filling inside to discourage people from hitting the surface to make sound.
- No Lighting: For greatest consistency with the concept of being an “aloha ’aina” frame, the monument should NOT be lit. At dusk, the silhouette is consistent with other objects in a foreground skyline. At night, lighting the face of the monument would effectively make it a barrier to the view beyond (consider moon lit nights, stars or lights beyond) however minimal uplighting might be useful depending upon the location. One exception to face lighting the monument is the use of temporary show lighting for special occasions such as shows at the Hula Mound (brush stainless steel is a superior finish for scenic lighting).
- Vandal Resistant: Minimal surface area minimizes the threat of graffiti. Impermeable powder coated aluminum makes it easy to remove paint and other substances. Placing it in a highly public location reduced the threat of vandalism.
- Bird Resistant: birds do not like glaring light or being on hot objects, thus stainless steel in a sunny location minimizes the threat of birds.
- Climbing Resistant: The height, shape, rounded edges and slickness of the surface make it difficult to climb. The height of the top members was calculated to be out of reach for the vast majority of people. The shape was calculated to be too large a diameter for most people to be able to encircle. Rounded edge radii were calculated to eliminate finger holds for most people. The stainless steel surface is slick thus difficult to gain traction on. In the sun, the monument will conduct heat, making it uncomfortable to touch. Installing it in a raised plant bed with shrubs at the base will discourage people from getting close to the monument.
Sponsorship Funding
Anyone interested in sponsoring this monument, please Contact Us »