Powerful ea (sovereignty, life, breath) activations (interactive exhibits) honoring Hawaiian history, resilience and culture are transforming the libraries at Honolulu, Kapiʻolani and Windward Community Colleges this fall.
“The word ‘activations’ is deliberate, chosen as a call to activate—to activate ea, ʻike (knowledge), ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi, community, consciousness, each other,” said Erica T. Dias, Kapiʻolani CC Hawaiʻi-Pacific resources librarian. “Rather than viewing as static displays, the ea activations are designed to stir reflection, dialogue and engagement.”
Cindy Texeira, Hawaiʻi specialist librarian at Windward CC, added, “By sharing these activations in our libraries, we hope to bring ʻŌiwi voices to the forefront while deepening the sense of place that guides our work.”
The series features three major works that rotate through the campuses:
Luka Keʻelikōlani
Honors Princess Ruth Keanolani Kanāhoahoa Keʻelikōlani, who embodied unwavering commitment to ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language), tradition, and her people.
- Honolulu CC: September 15–October 10
- Windward CC: October 13–November 6
Lā Hoʻihoʻi Ea (Hawaiian Restoration Day)
A journey centered on Kamehameha III, Kauikeaouli, and his vision of an independent lāhui (nation).
- Kapiʻolani CC: September 15–October 10
- Honolulu CC: October 13–November 6
Ka Malu ʻUlu o Lele
Explores Lahaina’s sacred history and cultural resilience.
- Windward CC: September 15–October 10
- Kapiʻolani CC: October 13–November 6
A ‘call to action’
“This is more than just a display with the powerful moʻolelo (stories) and imagery, it hit me as a call to action,” said Honolulu CC student Hanalei Chai. “Princess Ruth Keʻelikōlani stood firm for our identity, and her courage awakened me to do the same.”
Manuwai Peters, facilitator of Kanaeokana, a network of more than 170 schools and organizations dedicated to excellence in Hawaiian education, said, “We echo our excitement with this new usage of the activations at our community college libraries.”
Windward CC Cohort & Online Programs Counselor Māhiehie Garrett added, “In a time where being Hawaiian is being challenged (again), it is empowering to walk around campus and be engulfed in experiences where being Hawaiian is not only appreciated but celebrated. We cannot control how our students feel about themselves as Hawaiians off-campus, but we can ensure that the interactions they have on campus make them proud of who they are and of their lāhui (people, nation).”
The initiative began at a Kūkalahale E Hoʻi Nā Wai (culture-based professional development) training, where Windward CC librarians reflected on ways to indigenize library spaces. Guidance from Kanaeokana facilitator Makana Garma helped shape the direction of the ea activations, which are scheduled to proceed to additional UH campuses in spring 2026.
