Two new ground-floor e-bars feature artwork by JT Ojerio of Aloha de Mele and Lloyd Boards of Kaua‘i

 

Honolulu, Oct. 17, 2023 – The Hawai‘i Convention Center, managed by ASM Global, has transformed its ground-floor Kahakai Lobby and escalator area with the installation of two new e-bars and a permanent artwork collection featuring the work of artists from O‘ahu and Kaua‘i.

The e-bars feature seating with individual power and USB ports and counterspace for mobile devices. The Center worked with artists JT Ojerio of Aloha De Mele and Lloyd Boards to select artwork that would enhance the look and feel of the spaces. There are three stand-alone custom installations by Ojerio, including two lei renderings above one e-bar.

A hand-shaped koa surfboard by Lloyd Boards hangs above the second e-bar. Artwork by Ojerio – a painting of loulu palms – is featured as a backdrop for the board, providing continuity to the installations. Across from this e-bar is a 6-foot by 20-foot wall mural featuring Native Hawaiian model Penina Vaimaona wearing a lei po‘o by Cheka Diaz of Kahihae Floral.

“This artwork showcases the talents of our local artists to guests from around the world, while brightening these new workspaces with a fresh and modern feel. The Center strives to promote Hawai‘i’s culture to our guests through our wide selection of artwork,” said Teri Orton, General Manager of the Hawai‘i Convention Center. “The e-bars are part of our ongoing efforts to enhance shared spaces in the Center, providing easy access to value-added amenities for our guests.”

“I hope that guests at the Center find these pieces beautiful and welcoming and also reflective of what Hawai‘i is,” Ojerio said. “My artwork is often described as simplistic and bold, with just one subject – to me, that is Hawai‘i, simple and beautiful, but also bold and strong with its people and its culture.”

“We work with all local materials to make our boards, and we are grateful that the Hawai‘i Convention Center is taking the lead in showcasing products that are 100% made in Hawai‘i and supporting our local artists,” said Jeremy Lloyd, owner of Lloyd Boards. “It’s so important, and we are honored to be a part of it.”

The Hawai‘i Convention Center is home to a permanent art collection in partnership with the Hawai‘i State Foundation on Culture and the Arts and its Art in Public Places program. It also hosts rotating collections in displays throughout the building. Learn more here.

 

Earlier this year the Center completed the installation of two new Hawaiian cultural exhibits on its third floor – the Pūali‘ahu Feather Cape Exhibit available to the public for two years, and a new permanent display exploring The Healer Stones of Kapaemahu.

Visuals of the new e-bars and artwork installations are available here, courtesy Hawai‘i Convention Center.

 

About the Hawai‘i Convention Center

“Where Business and Aloha Meet,” the 1.1 million-square-foot Hawai‘i Convention Center provides a spacious, modern and flexible meeting space in the heart of Honolulu – all with an award-winning team and renowned aloha spirit. Conveniently located between East and West, the Center is a global leader for a diverse array of meetings and events, just steps from 30,000 hotel rooms in iconic Waikiki. The Center is a state-owned facility opened in 1998, and is managed by ASM Global. For more, visit HawaiiConvention.com.

 

About ASM Global

ASM Global is the world’s leading producer of entertainment experiences. It is the global leader in venue and event strategy and management – delivering locally tailored solutions and cutting-edge technologies to achieve maximum results for venue owners. The company’s elite venue network spans five continents, with a portfolio of more than 325 of the world’s most prestigious arenas, stadiums, convention and exhibition centers, and performing arts venues. For more, visit www.asmglobal.com.

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