The Public Humanities & a Culture of Peace
Your aloha means so much to us. Mahalo nui for all the care and support shown to our team following our announcement in August of staffing and program cuts after our DOGE termination. Your aloha means a lot to us and is helping carry our former staff and current staff, all on our own journeys to continue to do meaningful work to enrich lives, broaden perspectives, and strengthen communities.
On Oct 1, 2025, day 1 of the federal government shutdown, the Washington Post reported that the White House had fired the majority of the members of the National Council on the Humanities, with only four of the 26 presidentially-appointed members remaining. The purpose of the National Council board is to advise the Chair of the National Endowment for the Humanities on policy issues, grants, and funding. Read More.
Nā Mana Wai: Solidarity, Support, Inspiration gathering on August 8
By Misty Sanico
In August, I was honored to join Nā Mana Wai: Solidarity, Support, Inspiration, an event sponsored by the Hawaiʻi Council for the Humanities at Capitol Modern, just across from ʻIolani Palace. To be so close to where Kalākaua and Liliʻuokalani once envisioned art as a force for renewal reminded me that our cultural and creative work is not ornament, but lifeblood. It flows, it nourishes, it connects. Read more.
Join me in honoring some incredible programs and people
For the past four months, the work of our Board and Staff has been full of fear, anger, grief, and loss. We have been tasked with the impossible work of taking the organization we love apart. These are the consequences of the DOGE attack on our 54-year partnership with the National Endowment for the Humanities, and their sudden termination of 90% of our operating funds.
We are hurt and exhausted. We will continue, because of your support. Thank you for holding us. Thank you for fighting back. Thank you for showing us what it means to take care of each other when we fall, and help each other transform and endure.
Please join me in witnessing and honoring some incredible programs and people. Read more.