Community gathers for blessing of new mural at Līhuʻe Public Library

Local artist Holly Ka’iakapu has finished the new mural at the Līhu’e Public Library, which is more than just a splash of color for the community. The mural is a heartfelt tribute to one special Garden Isle resident.

The unveiling and blessing ceremony for the mural on Sept. 12 in Līhue honored Kauai’s deep-rooted traditions and memorialized Eric Larsen, who was part of the Hawaiʻi Public Library System on the Garden Isle for 14 years.

Larsen, who was well known throughout all the libraries on the island, retired in February and sadly passed away in June at age 63.

The Pule was held by Kumu Toni Kaaa of Anahola.

Ka’iakapu attended the unveiling of her mural along with community members, representative of the Hawai’i State Public Library System from O’ahu and Kaua’i, and members of the Friends of Līhu’e Library, the group that funded the mural project and the Early Literacy Center inside the Children’s room.

Eric Larsen’s mother, Nani, and brother, Koa, also attended.

Kristen Hillman, regional branch manager at Līhu’e Library, said: “Being a newcomer to the island, the mural fills me with the Kauaʻi joy.”

The mural showcases the Kaua’i community by depicting community members of all ages reading books, using their library cards, and listening to stories. Hillman pointed out the small details, such as the plantation-style cottage and the mountain scenery, with the people that truly represent the island marking the focal point of the mural.

“My favorite part is the mango tree and, of course, the rainbow with aloha,” Hillman said.

The mural also features a plumeria tree and everyday activities that symbolize the Garden Isle.

“Our favorite focal point, however biased we may be, is still our beloved Uncle Eric Larsen,” Hillman said.

Larsen is pictured in the mural, playing the ukulele and wearing his Kauaʻi “Can” shirt, inspired by the SPAM logo. Eric was a SPAM and musubi aficionado as well as an accomplished ukulele player and librarian.

Part of Larsen’s legacy was helping to conduct a community survey in 2022 to assess the needs of the Līhu’e library, the largest on Kaua’i and designed by architect Stephen Oyakawa.

The library and the association hope the mural “will draw positive attention to the library,” so that “we can receive more support,” Hillman said.

The Līhue Library has partnered with The Hawaiʻi Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission to host talk-story sessions as part of the review process for the draft Climate Action Pathways, a detailed plan of actions to help build resiliency, affordability and community well-being across the state.

One of two talk-story sessions will be held at the Līhu’e Library at 11 a.m. on Sept. 23. Comments can also be provided online or submitted to HI_Climate@hawaii.gov. 

The library is located at 4344 Hardy St. in Līhuʻe. For further information on the library’s community calendar, click here.