To curb vandalism, Kapaa students cover a bridge in Hawaiian-themed art

The whimsical art pays homage to the history of the area.
The whimsical art pays homage to the history of the area.(DLNR (custom credit))
Published: May. 14, 2019 at 4:06 PM HST
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KAUAI (HawaiiNewsNow) -A popular sight on Kauai often vandalized with graffiti has now been restored thanks to students at Kapaa High School.

Also known as the Wailua Loop Road Bridge, the structure is now covered in creative murals that depict ties to the land.

Some 20 students worked over the past four days to cover spray paint with the beautiful murals.

“After speaking with the Hawaiian practitioner and learning about the location a little bit more, he told us about how its very important to incorporate native plants and animals into the design and also to just keep it very pono with Hawaiian culture,” Kapaa High School art teacher Vanessa Owens said.

The murals feature hand-painted swirls of blue and green to represent the water, along with images of fish, kalo and other plants.

“We are always happy when we can work with students who want to contribute to protecting and beautifying the public lands around them. This bridge is basically a doorway to the Wailua forest lands and having student art represent that is very special. We hope it will lead to less graffiti and more community involvement,” Division of Forestry and Wildlife Kaua’i Branch Manager Sheri S. Mann said.

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