Kauaʻi County unveiled a new custom-designed logo for the Agency on Elderly Affairs that was inspired by the traditions of Hawaiian quilting that celebrates the island’s rich cultural heritage, natural beauty and enduring sense of community, the county said in a press release.
The agency sought a refreshed visual identity that would honor its history while reflecting the diverse people of Kauaʻi and their shared sense of place.
The new logo evokes traditions passed down through generations. Quilting is an art form shared by cultures around the world, and this distinctly Hawaiian interpretation brings those traditions together. Its timeless beauty and symbolism make it a meaningful reflection of the agency’s commitment to honoring and supporting Kauaʻi’s kūpuna.
At the heart of the design is the piko, the central point from which the elements radiate outward, representing a source of connection and life. For Kauaʻi, the design also evokes the island’s deep roots and the valleys, ridges and waterways that extend from its mountainous interior, symbolizing growth, connection and community.
The logo incorporates three meaningful elements: kalo, mokihana, and pūʻolo.
Pūʻolo represents a gift given with care and intention, from the heart and with aloha. It reflects the reciprocal nature of caring for one another and the agency’s mission to support and uplift kūpuna, ensuring they remain valued, cared for and connected to their communities. It also serves as a reminder that caring for our elders is both giving and receiving, honoring the relationships that bind generations together.
Kalo symbolizes nourishment, family and ancestry. Its subtly heart-shaped leaves evoke aloha and compassion, while the repetition of the leaves represents community, protection and support.
Mokihana, endemic to Kauaʻi and the island’s official botanical emblem, brings a distinctly local botanical element to the composition and represents the island’s unique identity.
“The new design honors dignity, independence, active aging and community engagement while strengthening public recognition of the agency and reflecting our continued growth and vision for the future,” Executive on Aging Emily Ishida said in the press release.
The new logo was developed in collaboration with a local Kauaʻi artist.
