Planning Department launches public art contest for Hanapēpē Monument
Published on July 14, 2025
LĪHU‘E – The Planning Department is inviting artists, designers, and architects from Hawai‘i and beyond to respond to a Request for Interest (RFI) for a public art monument to be located at the historic 1924 Battle of Hanapēpē, also known as the Hanapēpē Massacre site.
The RFI will be open from Monday, July 14, through Monday, September 1, at 11:59 p.m. HST. Interested artists must submit a resume, examples of past work, a written statement of the monument design concept, and a conceptual drawing or design. Entries will be accepted either by mail to the County of Kaua‘i Planning Department, 4444 Rice Street, Suite A473 in Līhu‘e or email planningdepartment@kauai.gov.
The call for interest is the first step in a two-phase selection process to commission an artist or design team to create a lasting monument that honors the victims of the 1924 Battle of Hanapēpē. This tragic event, one of the deadliest labor confrontations in Hawai‘i’s history, resulted in the deaths of 16 Filipino plantation strikers and 4 sheriffs during a violent clash on September 9, 1924. To learn more, view the County’s previous news release commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Hanapēpē here and the Story Map at: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/b2a8cbee50cc4f9693c73dcacfe65fd1.
The proposed monument will be installed on a County-owned parcel at the intersection of Moi Road and Kaumuali‘i Highway in Hanapēpē. The project aims to commemorate the individuals who lost their lives and reflect themes of peacemaking, understanding, cooperation, and respect for life.
Finalists selected from the RFI phase will be invited to develop a full design proposal and participate in interviews with a selection committee for a $5,000 stipend. The winning artist will be awarded a commission with an anticipated budget of up to $300,000 to complete the project, with installation targeted for completion by September 1, 2026, in advance of the historic event’s 102nd anniversary.
This RFI is open to all local, state, and international artists, designers, architects, and creatives. If selected, applicants will be responsible for the construction, transportation, and installation of their monument designs. For further information, please visit the County of Kaua‘i Planning Department website.
If you need an ASL Interpreter, materials in an alternate format, or other auxiliary aid support, or an interpreter for a language other than English, please contact the Planning Division at planningdepartment@kauai.gov or at 808-241-4050 as soon as possible. Requests made as early as possible will allow adequate time to fulfill your request. Upon request, this notice is available in alternate formats such as large print, Braille, or electronic copy.
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