Director outlines Halau OEVR cultural center planned for Wailuku, on track for 2027 opening

The director of the Department of OEV Resources presented detailed plans for a new cultural arts facility in Wailuku — referred to in materials as Halau OEVR — and said the project is on schedule for a 2027 opening.

The director described the building as a two‑story complex at the corner of Market and Vineyard, adjacent to a historic banyan tree, with seven or eight studio spaces for halau, an OEV arts education space, gallery areas, and a top‑level Hoike space expected to seat about 500 people. “When we can get it up, you’ll see schematics of the Halau Of OVR, which is a amazing 2 story complex... 2027 is when Halau Of OVR will be opening,” the director said.

Why it matters: the facility aims to provide rehearsal and teaching spaces for kumu hula and other cultural practitioners, support community arts programming and potentially serve as emergency shelter or housing if required.

Design and features: the director said the ground floor will include an open courtyard and resource areas for practitioners, a commercial kitchen, retail/dining space and living spaces for kumu and practitioners who will teach and practice on site. He added the building is being prefabricated and was described as engineered to withstand a category 5 hurricane for community safety.

Trustee reaction and coordination: trustees praised the cultural focus and asked about collaboration; the director said the office will share schedules and further project materials with trustees and that Maui is serving as a model for similar facilities on other moku.

What’s next: the director said the project team will continue to post construction progress on the project’s live feed and will send calendars and partnership information to OHA trustees for future collaboration.