In Hawaiian knotting, the knots themselves were#the protectors for containers to be that buffer to keep those those vessels safe when one#would travel or within the household.

These traditional utilitarian nets are kind#of mundane practices within the everyday, but the the material of cordage and netting and#knotting can be elaborated in the artistic world.

I have a a new public artwork.

I utilize a# traditional structure called a haka where we would suspend our nets.

I used copper#and stainless steel mesh to create these forms.

Drawing upon the techniques and practices passed down from generations but finding ways to connect the past to the contemporary and actively bringing those worlds together.

'Iolani Palace was built at the command#of King Kalakaua, completed in 1882.

Kalakaua's construction here included hot and#cold running water, telephones, gas lights, which were replaced by electric lights in#1887.

Kalakaua's palace sent a message to the world.

We're modern.

We're educated, we're# technologically advanced.

The palace museum worked with Kawika Lum-Nelmida to recreate kahili in the#King's and the Queen's bedrooms.

The kahili ku are feather standards that stand about 15 to# upwards of 30 feet.

They designate a space that is special spiritually significant as well as they watch and protect the ali'i as they sleep.

Kawika wanted all the photos we had of the King's#bedroom, but there was only one photograph, the kahili visible in a mirror.

I could#kind of tell the length, the diameter.

So for King Kalakaua's kahili ku, I positioned the# feathers going upwards as if it was like fire or flames reaching up because he was a beacon for#our people in the sense of very progressive, very forward thinking.

So I want to represent#that and I want to honor him in that way.