When Honolulu visitors jump on an elevator at any of 10 downtown
office towers, they’ll “Step Into the Hawaiian Forest,” a photo
exhibit with authentic views and sounds from some of Hawaii’s rare,
remote and beautiful native forests.
To raise awareness of the Year of the Hawaiian Forest, Malama
Hawaii has joined with Hawaii’s Department of Land and Natural
Resources/Division of Forestry & Wildlife to create this unique
elevator exhibit that shares the beauty, diversity and value of
Hawaii’s native forests.
“We wanted to do this project because there are so few of these
native forests left,” said Beth McDermott, project manager. “It was
a good way for us to recreate the experience of stepping into
forests and hearing the sounds of birds to make it even more
complete.”
Through March 2004, four 7-foot by 14-foot panoramic photographs
of Hawaii’s native forests will be displayed on a rotation basis in
elevators at 10 separate office towers. A soundtrack of bird songs
typically heard in each forest will also be included. The forests
are a sampling of nature from across the islands, and offer a taste
of what’s in store for people who are planning to visit the
areas.
“We’ll be adding photos of the birds that are featured on the
soundtrack in January,” added McDermott. “Many of these are nearly
extinct.”
Featured forests include Mt. Kaala on Oahu, Kamakou Preserve on
Molokai, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Island of Hawaii and
Puu Kukui Forest Preserve in West Maui. The images are photographs
taken by some of Hawaii’s best photogra-phers, including David
Ulrich, David Liitschwager, Susan Middleton and David Meunch.
Locations for January are Alii Place, 1132 Bishop, Pauahi Tower
at Bishop Square and the Pacific Guardian Tower. In February, the
exhibits will remain at Alii Place and 1132 Bishop, with the
addition of Topa Financial Center (formerly the Amfac Building).
Visitors will find signs identifying the elevator exhibit location
within these buildings.
808-988-6004
www.malamahawaii.org
