Site work for the Hawaii Island Portuguese Cultural and Educational Center could begin as early as next month.
The Hawaii Island Portuguese Chamber of Commerce is close to finalizing two contracts for site preparation and construction of the long-planned Hilo center.
“We’re hoping to begin site work as soon as possible, but just like everything, you’re not done until the paperwork is done,” said Marlene Hapai, president of the HIPCC Cultural and Educational Center. “After talking to the architect, we could have the building contract done in mid-February. We’ve all been waiting for this to happen, and we’re ready.”
Members of the HIPCC, which was established in 1982, saw the need to build the center as a way to prevent Portuguese culture from being lost.
“No matter who you are, I believe it’s important to have pride in your heritage and to know what your ancestors have done,” Hapai said. “Many of our youth, and Portuguese youth in Portugal, don’t have a clue about their ancestry.”
The center will create a community space to share Portuguese traditions and culture, as well as being a repository for the history of the Portuguese who came to Hawaii and stayed, leaving their mark for generations to come.
The center will have historical exhibits that will be divided by Exploration, Emigration and Assimilation, beginning with the Age of Discovery in the 14th and 15th centuries, to the arrival of Portuguese in Hawaii in the late 1800s and early 1900s, and ending with the influence of Portuguese culture today.
“There were 29 ships that carried 25,000 Portuguese to Hawaii, where they brought their skills, expertise and culture,” Hapai said. “We want to show the influence the Portuguese have had on Hawaii through their food, music, dance and businesses. They really made an impact in the community as entrepreneurs, ranchers and educators, and we want to share everything.”
HIPCC past president Frank DeLuz III in 2006 donated an acre of land for the center, which will be located on the corner of Ponahawai and Komohana streets.
A building committee was formed in 2015, and initial land-clearing occurred in November 2022.
“For the last seven years, we’ve been focusing on the center. We started with no funds, and now we’ve raised over a million (dollars),” Hapai said. “It’s been a struggle and hard to combat storms, COVID-19, lava flows, because when emergencies happen, nonprofits must take a step back to allow the community to heal. Now, we’re at the point where we are ready for everything.”
To date, HIPCC has raised over $1.6 million through grants from the state, Hawaii County and the Atherton Family Foundation; contributions from community members through in-person and virtual fundraising events; and donations from sponsors.
On Sunday, Feb. 4, HIPCC will be hosting the Malasada Shuffle 5K race followed by a Spring Festa at Aunty Sally Kaleohano’s Lu‘au Hale to raise money for the center and its future exhibits.
This year’s event is dedicated to Theresa Perreira Zendejas, a “shuffler” from the original race who completed the 5K at the age of 85. Before passing, she donated her home and property to help fund the center.
“Before she passed, she said she wanted us to have the best cultural center in Hawaii, and that was her contribution,” Hapai said. “She was an inspiration to everyone, and we’re glad to dedicate this year’s event to Theresa.”
The Shuffle is open to all ages and will begin at 7:30 a.m. outside Aunty Sally’s. Participants will have the chance to win prizes, but everyone will receive a free malasada at the end.
Those interested in “shuffling” can register for $45 today through Saturday at hipcc.org.
After the race, the Spring Festa will begin inside Aunty Sally’s at 9 a.m. and will feature Portuguese food, exhibits by organizations from around the island, Aunty Mary’s Store, entertainment and the first-ever Malasada Cooking Contest.
Three cooks have registered, but HIPCC is looking for more contestants to join the contest. Registration ends on Monday, and details can be found at hipcc.org.
The Hawaii County Band and Dexter Veriato also will be playing music during the free festa.
For more information about the 5K and Spring Festa, contact Hapai at (808) 557-4540 or race director Alan Ryan at (808) 962-6044.
Email Kelsey Walling at kwalling@hawaiitribune-herald.com.