Kaiwahine Village Affordable Housing Development to Unveil First Public Art in Kihei

1/19/2020 #kihei

PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

We have supported Ikaika Ohana since they first proposed the truly affordable rental housing project in North Kihei.

Developer Ikaika Ohana is scheduled to complete Kaiwahine Village, a 120-unit affordable, workforce rental community in Kihei, Maui in April 2020. The affordable LEED for homes development was designed by architect Design Partners, of Honolulu and constructed by local contractor Moss Construction.

The Village will deliver on Ikaika Ohana’s mission to go beyond housing to build a home for future residents. Ikaika Ohana’s president Douglas Bigley describes the company’s mission: “By creating a sense of home, we initiate social renewal that radiates out to our neighborhoods, and into the community beyond.”

Kaiwahine Village’s community center with wrapped lanai, adjacent picnic area, community gardens, and playground was designed to provide residents and the larger neighborhood, a place to participate in services and social gatherings organized by the onsite Social Service coordinator and Manager. One unique aspect of Ikaika Ohana’s community outreach program is the inclusion of public art in their communities.

Many of the developer’s properties have artworks by local artists. Ikaika Ohana views art as a way to celebrate local traditions, encourage neighborhood involvement and give something back to community.

Douglas Bigley, president and director of Ikaika Ohana

At the upcoming grand opening of Kaiwahine Village this spring, Ikaika Ohana will unveil a 40’ long mosaic tile mural wall by Hawaii-artist Kristie Fujiyama Kosmides. Kosmides is known for her public art works at Honolulu International Airport, Hawaii State Capitol Building, Hawaii Pacific Health Centers and many other public and private collections throughout the State, as well as, Internationally. The mural wall will be constructed from glass and ceramic tile and was inspired by local reefs and oceans. This work of public art is the first of its kind in the community of Kihei. The wall will surround the centrally located children’s playground next to the community center, which will be open for neighborhood families to enjoy.

In addition to the wall, Ikaika Ohana together with artist Kosmides will provide materials and art instruction to over 1000 local students, during the months leading up to the grand opening of Kaiwahine Village. Classes will be held at Kihei Elementary School for grades PK-5, Lokelani Intermediate School for grades 6-8, and Kihei Charter School for grades 1-5. Kosmides brings her years of experience with Hawaiian art to the classroom. The artist will introduce the Kihei students to various mediums like printmaking, acrylic and watercolor painting, mural making, mosaic art, and clay. Students may work on projects to be on permanent display at Kaiwahine Village community center.

Ikaika Ohana is a nonprofit 501(c) 3 affordable housing developer, social service coordinator and asset management company, works with a vast network of industry partners in Hawaii to develop and maintain multi-family and senior communities throughout the Islands.

For More Information Contact:
Delene Osorio
Ikaika Ohana
dosorio@ikaikaohana.com
(808) 345.5445