The Konawaena Foundation is proud to have supported two major projects with Konawaena High School.
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The first major project was the restoration of the mural on the exterior of the Colonel Ellison S. Onizuka Gymnasium. The original 40 panel mural was created by Hawai'i artist Martin Charlot in 1976 as an inspired gift to Konawaena students and their community. The themes of "Ohana, Ho'oponopono and Kokua" offers a rich picture of family, teamwork and cooperation. Unfortunately, over time, the mural suffered from the elements, termites, flaking and discoloration. Through the leadership of then Principal Shawn Suzuki, a grassroots effort to fundraise, raise community awareness and plan for the restoration of the mural resulted in the original artist Martin Charlot starting the restoration work in December of 2018 and culminating in the Mural Dedication Program on March 6, 2020. The mural restoration was completed in time for the second major project, Konawaena High School's 100 year Anniversary Celebration in 2021!
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Martin Day Charlot passed away on October 2, 2024 at the age of 80.
Martin Charlot was a celebrated artist, muralist and filmmaker, beloved by the Hawaiian people. He is well known from his many murals like: the Disney Aulani, "Stars in Paradise" at the Consolidated Theater and "Hawaiian Folkways" at McDonalds. None are more endearing than the stunning mural that wraps around Konawaena High School's Colonel Ellison S. Onizuka Gymnasium. The original was completed in 1975 and was completely restored and the community came together to celebrate the mural’s completion on March 6, 2020, which happened to coincide with Martin’s birthday.
The Konawaena Foundation appreciates the artistic and cultural contributions that Martin Charlot made to the Konawaena community through his murals that surround the Ellison Onizuka Gymnasium. Martin is a true treasure!
Martin Charlot was a celebrated artist, muralist and filmmaker, beloved by the Hawaiian people. He is well known from his many murals like: the Disney Aulani, "Stars in Paradise" at the Consolidated Theater and "Hawaiian Folkways" at McDonalds. None are more endearing than the stunning mural that wraps around Konawaena High School's Colonel Ellison S. Onizuka Gymnasium. The original was completed in 1975 and was completely restored and the community came together to celebrate the mural’s completion on March 6, 2020, which happened to coincide with Martin’s birthday.
The Konawaena Foundation appreciates the artistic and cultural contributions that Martin Charlot made to the Konawaena community through his murals that surround the Ellison Onizuka Gymnasium. Martin is a true treasure!