Kūkū Kapa Ē: Building Traditional Hawaiian Kapa Makers

Hiʻohia will increase the number of Hawaiian Kapa Makers, culture bearers who specialize in the art of creating fabric out of Wauke (Paper Mulberry) bark, who participate in the arenas of design, education, and agriculture to both perpetuate culture as well as to support their financial well-being. Currently, because of the high cost of living in Hawaiʻi, only three kapa makers in the state can generate 100% their income from their kapa practice. By the end of the 36th month, 75 businesses of Native Hawaiian Kapa makers will substantially increase sales. Ultimately, the project aims to ensure that all Hawaiian cultural practitioners can live their practice and pass on knowledge to the next generation because they are financially sustained through their practice.