Project Background
The Maui MPO is excited to create a community-driven art design within the newly available space outside of the vehicle travelway at the intersection of Kenolio Road and Alulike Street in the community of Kihei in South Maui.

An online survey and an in-person community meeting were held in February 2025 to gather feedback for the South Maui Quick Build: Street Art Project. A total of 87 community members shared their ideas for the street art design. The results from this first round of community input revealed that 68% of respondents believe it is very important to represent the local culture and heritage of the area. They emphasized natural features such as the ocean, wetlands, sand dunes, native plants, and wildlife as key elements that best reflect the unique character of the region.

The selected project artist, Matthew Agcolicol, has used this feedback as inspiration to create initial drafts of the street art design which include two design alternatives inspired by the Kalepolepo Fishpond (also known as Ko'ie'ie Fishpond). To learn more about the results of this first round of community input, visit mauimpo.org.

1) Loko Iʻa (Fishpond) Alternative
The first design alternative was inspired by the project location's proximity to the ocean and the surrounding area's history, which included royal fishponds. The “Loko Iʻa” design features a color palette of turquoise and royal blue, symbolizing the blend of fresh and salt water from the loko kuapā (walled pond). It also incorporates graphics of ama'ama (mullet) and awa (milkfish), which were once farmed in the Kalepolepo Fishpond. This fishpond was a crucial resource for the subsistence of the people of the Moku of Kula from AD 1500 to 1880.

2) Ke One (The Sand) Alternative
The second design alternative draws its inspiration from the sand dunes near the Kalepolepo fishpond. The name "Kalepolepo," meaning "the dirt," originated during the repair of the fishponds when workers moving stones created large clouds of dust in the air. This design alternative features a gold to brown color palette symbolizing the transition from dry to wet sand. The “Kalepolepo” design emphasizes native wildlife and plants which are integral to the coastal ecosystem, including the honu (Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle) which is known for nesting near the fishpond and pōhuehue (Beach Morning Glory) a coastal vine characterized by its large purple and pink flowers helping prevent erosion.

The goal of Community Survey #2 is to gather community input on the design alternatives for the street art design to be implemented at the intersection of Kenolio Rd and Alulike St in Kihei, Maui, in Spring 2025. The feedback received will help the artist create the final design. Please provide your input by answering the following questions.

Estimated completion time: 5 minutes.

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* 1. Which design theme do you feel would enhance the community's cultural identity more? Survey 2

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* 2. Are there other specific elements that you would like to be included in the design alternatives?

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* 3. Are you interested in participating in Painting Day this May 2025 to help implement the street art design? If yes, please provide your email below.