Honoka‘a Heritage Celebration set for June 13

The North Hawaiʻi Education and Research Center of the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo invites the public to celebrate the completion of the Honokaʻa Heritage Murals project on Saturday, June 13 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at NHERC in Honokaʻa. Admission is free.

The program, which is co-sponsored by the Honokaʻa Business Association and UH Hilo, will honor Dr. Quentin Tomich for his many contributions to the Hamakua District. There will be slide shows, speakers and a light lunch.

Tomich has recently published Hawaii: Perspectives on Hamakua History—Ramblings through an ancient land division of Hawaii Island. The 350-page hardcover book is handsomely illustrated and reflects Tomich‘s diverse interests over a lifetime.

The Honokaʻa Heritage Mural project also has a heritage focus. It has taken a year to complete by partners Honokaʻa Business Association and NHERC. Five historical murals in Honokaʻa town were re-colored and waterproofed, then featured in a brochure that will be distributed to travel outlets and local merchants. This project was made possible by support from the County Department of Research and Development.

Among speakers at the June 13 event will be Senator Dwight Takamine, Representative Mark Nakashima, Dr. Hugh Montgomery and Gerald De Mello of UH Hilo.

Copies of Tomich‘s new book will be on hand for purchase and book signing. The brightly colored "Visit Honokaʻa" brochures will also be available for distribution.