Hoʻākea Source is a regranting program that furthers the mission of Puʻuhonua Society by creating new opportunities to support and honor visual artists living and working in Hawaiʻi and by affirming Native Hawaiian value-systems. Hoʻākea Source embodies the teachings of the well known ʻōlelo noʻeau, Hawaiian proverb, “ʻike aku, ʻike mai, kōkua aku, kōkua mai; pela iho la ka nohona ʻohana.” Indeed, those who recognize others are recognized, those who help others are helped—such is expansive family life.

Hoʻākea Source will award six to twelve grants, ranging from $5,000 to $10,000, to selected projects. In the inaugural two-year grant period, Ho’ākea Source will prioritize visual artists, collaboratives, and collectives living and working across the island of Oʻahu.

While creating the logo for Hoʻākea Source, artist Kamehanaokalā was inspired by kiʻi or carving forms; in particular, Hawaiian “support figures.” This type of kiʻi often appear on the ends of ʻauamo, carrying poles, as holders for weapons and implements on waʻa, canoes. His intention, in referencing Hawaiian support figure carving forms, is to affirm the ways in which Hōʻakea Source as a regranting program will bolster the visual arts communities of Hawaiʻi. The arrangement of the kiʻi, back-to-back also reinforces the directional concept of kōkua aku, kōkua mai, help and be helped. Finally, the third space created through the intersection of the two forms is an aspirational gesture to open up a new place of hospitality and collaboration.