(HONOLULU, HI, March 21, 2024) The State Foundation on Culture and the Arts (SFCA) Board Wednesday approved the selection of artist and illustrator Solomon Enos to develop a design for a State Capitol waterless pool. The State Capitol Pools Art Advisory Committee made the recommendation after reviewing artists submissions.
The committee was formed in July 2023 at the request of the Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS) which is charged with the maintenance of the Hawaiʻi State Capitol building. Increased water damage and maintenance costs to the building have occurred over the years causing the DAGS Public Works Division to seek a creative waterless solution that would keep the integrity of the historic architectural character.
“The committee members understood how much of an impact this will have in our community and we are pleased to select Solomon to develop a design for the future waterless pools,” said Comptroller Keith Regan.
The SFCA successfully addressed a similar issue in its sculpture garden glass pool treatment at
the No.1 Capitol District Building. The State Capitol Pools project is a multi-phase project that will be managed by SFCA with completion by Fall of 2026.
State Capitol Pools Art Advisory Committee
The State Capitol Pools Art Advisory Committee was made up of the following individuals:
- Chairperson: Keith Regan, Comptroller (Chief Building Administrator)
- Senate Designee: Senator Chris Lee
- House of Representatives Designee: Representative Adrian Tam
- Community: Ernest Lau P.E., Manager & Chief Engineer, Board of Water Supply
- Design Consultant: Katie Stephens, AIA, AHL Historic Architect (Ex-Officio)
- Visual Arts Consultant: Drew Broderick, Kapiolani Community College Koa Gallery Director
- Cultural Consultant: Ramsay Taum, Cultural Advisor
- SFCA Board Member: Jill Kuramoto
About SFCA
The Hawai‘i State Foundation on Culture and the Arts (SFCA) is Hawaiʻi’s state government arts
agency. Established in 1965 by the Hawai‘i State Legislature, through the vision and effort of Hawai‘i leaders including architect and State Planning Coordinator Alfred Pries, SFCA Founding Chairperson Masaru “Pundy” Yokouchi, State Senator Nadao Yoshinaga, and Governor John Burns. The creation of a state arts agency made Hawai‘i eligible to receive federal grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, newly established on September 29, 1965. The SFCA is administratively attached to the Hawaiʻi Department of Accounting and General Services.
Media Contact
Donalyn Dela Cruz
(808) 216-4747
[email protected]
Media Coverage
- Hawaiʻi Public Radio: State commission selects Native Hawaiian artist to give new life to Capitol’s empty pools (March 22, 2024). “The State Foundation on Culture and the Arts Board of Commissioners has selected Native Hawaiian artist Solomon Enos to design the state Capitol’s reflecting pools with a waterless display — an alternative to the original pool’s water that leaked into the building’s offices for several years.” Read or listen to the full piece by Cassie Ordonio on the HPR website: hawaiipublicradio.org/local-news/2024-03-21/state-commission-selects-native-hawaiian-artist-to-give-new-life-to-capitols-empty-pools.
- Honolulu Star-Advertiser: Designer is commissioned to convert state Capitol pools to waterless feature (March 22, 2024). “The long-troublesome reflecting pools at the state Capitol will be permanently dried up and converted to an artistic landscape with elements resembling water from around Hawaii designed by Native Hawaiian artist Solomon Enos.” Read the full piece by Andrew Gomes on the Star-Advertiser website (paywall): staradvertiser.com/2024/03/22/hawaii-news/designer-is-commissioned-to-convert-state-capitol-pools-to-waterless-feature.
Public Participation
September 10, 2024: Members of the public are invited to add a dot of paint to the community mural that will become the waterless pool glass. Solomon will be at Capitol Modern (the Hawaiʻi State Art Museum, operated by the SFCA as part of the Art in Public Places Program) Monday – Saturday from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon through September, with evening hours during the September 20 Friday Night Tempo live music event, 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. Printable flyer: Make Your Mark flyer (PDF).
School groups are encouraged to visit and participate. To organize a school group visit, please contact Shirley Lam, Museum Education Coordinator, at [email protected].