Returned Peace Corps Volunteers of Hawai'i
Connecting RPCVs Living in Hawai'i
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RPCVs On Oahu
Kani Ka ‘Ōpala: Take a Sad Song & Make it Better (Kani = to sound, to cry out, to sing, Ka = the,‘Ōpala = trash, garbage) Enjoy musical instruments made from "‘Ōpala." Bridge Gallery of Hamilton Library- now until August 17, 2026. |
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RPCVHI members had a very special and entertaining tour of the Kani Ka ‘Ōpala: Take a Sad Song & Make it Better exhibit at the Bridge Gallery of Hamilton Library at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. Curated by Dr. Benjamin Fairfield, an ethnomusicologist, author and RPCV (Thailand, group 119, 2007-09), the exhibit highlights sustainability and creative reuse of "stuff." Running until August 17, 2026, the exhibit features interactive musical instruments cleverly repurposed from recycled rubbish and everyday materials. Enjoy the photos from our wonderful tour! Mahalo to Ben and also to Jean Thoulag, Librarian at Hamilton Library. A very special afternoon. |
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Ben talked about the instruments crafted from SPAM cans, rice bags, driftwood, bike brake cables, old banyan tree cuttings, bamboo, green plastic drink bottles from Magic Island, old buoys from on the north shore, waste baskets, and old picture frames. He even played and sang a tune in Hawaiian on his "3-string spam guitar."
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Kani Ka ʻŌpala.-- Dr. Fairfield's book for keiki
An interactive book for teaching keiki about the importance of reusing, recycling, and taking care of our island home, Kani ka ʻŌpala tells the story of a father and daughter who turn trash into musical instruments—and shows you how to do it too!
https://uhpress.hawaii.edu/title/kani-ka-%CA%BBopala-how-can-garbage-sing/
Helping our Peace Corps Regional Recruiter and our Peace Corps Campus Recruiters
Our Peace Corps State Recruiter and RPCVHI members were busy throughout 2025 and 2026 at college campuses across the state, at Career Job fairs, High School Festivals, and Waimea Valley helping to recruit for the Peace Corps. With the Peace Corps Staff Funding cuts, RPCVHI members "talk story" with potential PCVs. |
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The 4th of July 2025 parade on Oahu Wonderful fun and good for Peace Corps! RPCVHI gave out over 1500 stress balls as the handouts to parade spectators! |
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