Hawai‘i will become the first state in the nation to annually celebrate its own Peace Day on September 21. In honor of that day, which is celebrated throughout the world as the United Nations International Day of Peace, people of
Hawai‘i will become the first state in the nation to annually celebrate its own Peace Day on September 21.
In honor of that day, which is celebrated throughout the world as the United Nations International Day of Peace, people of all ages from all around the state are invited to submit an artistic expression of what “peace” means to them. The art work will be displayed at the State Capitol and aware winners will be announced at a special ceremony on the 21st.
Vice Speaker of the House of Representatives Jon Riki Karamatsu, (D-Waikele) the Peace Day bill on behalf of youth members of the Hawaiian Buddhist Association. He was impressed that these young people cared enough about peace in the world to stick with it through the legislative process.
The Spark M. Matsunaga Institute for Peace, an academic program at the University of Hawa‘i is a key partner in coordinating the events. It was named in honor of the late U.S. Sen. Spark M. Matsunaga whose wish was for Hawai‘i to become “a sanctuary for seekers of peaceful ways and traditions.”
The Institute is dedicated to carrying forward his legacy by providing education, research, and training in studies and practices in peace and peacemaking.
Peace Day was established through House Bill 345, introduced by Karamatsu, and signed into law as Act 23 by Gov. Linda Lingle.
On Kaua’i, the Kaua’i United Junior Young Buddhist Association has stepped up to the plate to organize a peace event on Sept. 21.
Since the law was just recently passed, they are still working out the details. This much is certain: It will be held at Lydgate Park. There will be a gathering and a ceremony.
It is important to be with others who also value peace, otherwise one feels like giving up. When we see so much war, or fighting or disrespect to each other, it’s important to know that others also want peace, and are supporting it with their time, talents, and treasures. And yet, we can’t wait for others to make peace happen for us. It’s an inside job for each one of us. When we don’t feel peaceful, it’s a signal to discover why. What needs aren’t getting met. Sometimes they’re petty and we just have to grow up and deal with it, but sometimes they are highly significant, and demand from us that we take action in a peaceful way. Trying to create peace by violent means is usually ineffective. As Mahatma Gandhi taught us, “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” Several events are being planned for Sept. 21, including a “peace tree” planting, a candlelight ceremony, a statewide moment of prayer for peace, and the unveiling of artwork expressing peace by the people of Hawai‘i.
Art submissions this year are limited to:
• Two-dimensional art such as paintings, drawings, prints or posters
• Literary submissions 500 words or less, such as stories, essays and poetry.
Everyone is encouraged to participate. Send pieces by mail to:
Dr. Jeannie Lum
Matsunaga Institute for Peace
University of Hawai‘i at Manoa
Saunders Hall #723
2424 Maile Way
Honolulu, HI 96822
or, drop off submissions:
Office of Rep. Jon
Riki Karamatsu
State Capitol, Room 427
Honolulu, HI 96813
The deadline is Saturday.
For each submission, include name, age, mailing address and telephone number. If desired, include a brief biography and explanation of the piece submitted.
All submissions become the property of the peace Day committee and will not be returned. The committee reserves the right to use the work in order to promote Peace Day in the future, but will give credit to the artist or writer.
Art work will be displayed at the State Capitol on Sept. 21.
Several adults have “stepped into the corner” for our teens, to answer questions and give support in the boxing ring of life. They are Catherine Stovall, community response specialist, county of Kaua’i; Edmund Acoba, public defender; Craig DeCosta, county prosecuting attorney; Officer Paul Applegate, Kaua’i Police Department; Daniel Hamada, superintendent of schools; Jill Yoshimatsu, director of the DOE Mokihana program; and Annaleah Atkinson, Teen Court Manager for Hale ‘Opio Kaua’i.
If you have something to share with Kaua‘i teens, or need to ask a question, contact Annaleah with the information below and she will field it to the person who can best help with the answer.
• Annaleah Atkinson is the Teen Court manager for Hale ‘Opio Kaua‘i. She can be reached at aatkinson@haleopio.org, or Hale ‘Opio Kaua‘i Inc., 2959 Umi St., Lihu‘e, HI 96766.
