Community members in Kauai came together on September 21, 2023, to celebrate the International Day of Peace through a series of engaging events. This year’s festivities were marked by the traditional creation of ozuru, or paper cranes, a symbol of peace and hope, spearheaded by local figures including Jerry Hirata of the Kauai Soto Zen Temple.
Hirata emphasized the significance of the cranes, stating, “As long as people make ozuru, I’ll be participating in International Peace Day.” He highlighted contributions from community members, including a woman who brought in approximately 2,000 cranes and the fourth-grade students of Eleele School, who consistently fold over 1,000 cranes each year. “People like to make paper cranes, and as long as they make them, I guess there’ll be Peace Day,” he added.
The main celebration took place in Hanapepe, known as the birthplace of Sparky Matsunaga, who played a pivotal role in establishing the U.S. Institute of Peace in Washington, D.C. The 13th annual Peace Celebration was co-sponsored by the Storybook Theatre and featured various activities throughout the day.
Peace Day Activities on Kauai
Festivities began with a concert by Red Grammer, a well-known children’s entertainer, at the Kukui Grove Center on Saturday, September 20, starting at 11:30 a.m. The celebration also included a participatory international folk dance from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on the same day.
On the day following Peace Day, the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii invited everyone to participate in “Ring Your Bell for Peace Day,” commencing at 8:30 a.m. on September 22. This event aims to engage schools and community groups in a collective moment of reflection, featuring a minute of silence at 9 a.m. followed by bells rung at various locations, including temples and schools.
Hirata outlined the day’s schedule, starting with a “Walk for Peace” at 3 p.m. from the Spark Matsunaga International Peace Garden to the Soto Zen Temple. Participants will carry flags representing nations in conflict, including Russia, Ukraine, Israel, and Palestine, or photos of prominent peace figures like Mahatma Gandhi and Mother Teresa.
Educational and Community Engagement
The Peace Program featured Chucky Boy Chock, Executive Director of the Kauai Museum, who shared the island’s rich legacy of peace, tracing back to the leadership of Kukona and Manokalanipo in the 1400s and continuing through the reign of King Kaumualii in the 1800s—nearly 400 years of peace.
For those unable to participate in the walk, the social hall offered activities for all ages, including mandala coloring, which Hirata noted can foster a sense of tranquility. There was also a dedicated peace table displaying prints of international peacemakers and their inspiring stories.
In keeping with the spirit of giving, the IROK (Interfaith Roundtable of Kauai) organized the creation of “wound kits” to be distributed to the homeless population and local transportation services. These kits help individuals manage minor injuries, reflecting the community’s commitment to compassion and care.
The International Day of Peace, established by a unanimous resolution of the United Nations in 1981, serves as a global reminder to prioritize peace amid differences. Events like those held in Kauai emphasize the importance of community engagement and collective efforts to build a culture of peace.