KALIHI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AND ROTARY CLUB OF HICKAM PEARL HARBOR CELEBRATE PEACE POLE AND MURAL DEDICATION
Honolulu, HI – January 22, 2025 – The Kalihi Elementary School community gathered in a ceremony today to unveil a new Peace Pole and a student-created mural. This event, a collaboration between the Rotary Club of Hickam Pearl Harbor and Kalihi Elementary, showcased the school’s rich cultural heritage and its enduring commitment to peace and unity.
The Peace Pole, purposefully installed at the heart of the campus, bears the message “May Peace Prevail On Earth” in English, Hawaiian, Samoan, Marshallese, Filipino, and other languages that reflect the school’s diverse student body. This universal call for peace was further emphasized by essays presented by first and second-grade students, who shared their personal reflections on the meaning and importance of peace.
“This courtyard is the heart of our school,” said Principal John Hamilton during his speech. “It’s where we come together every morning, and now it’s filled with symbols that matter—unity, culture, and the hardworking spirit of our students and staff. The Peace Pole reminds us that while we may come from different backgrounds, peace unites us all.”
The celebration also included the dedication of a mural honoring Hawaii’s “canoe plants,” such as kalo (taro), kukui (candlenut), and ti leaf. Painted by the school’s fourth-grade students under the guidance of their teachers, the mural highlights the cultural and historical significance of these plants. As part of the project, students conducted research and shared their findings through essays presented during the ceremony.
“This mural not only beautifies our campus but also strengthens our students’ connection to the rich traditions of Hawaii,” said Mrs. Okimoto, a fourth-grade teacher. “It’s a reminder of how we can learn from the past to create a brighter future.”
After the dedication, President Emilie Smith of the Rotary Club of Hickam Pearl Harbor shared her thoughts on the occasion: “It’s inspiring to see these young students embrace the values of peace and unity, and we’re proud to be part of such a meaningful initiative.”
This event exemplified the Rotary Club’s mission to foster peace and understanding while supporting local schools in impactful ways. Funded through a Hawai’i Rotary District Grant, the project brought together students, teachers, parents, and volunteers, leaving a lasting legacy of collaboration and shared purpose.