Hawaii is set to host the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture, marking a significant milestone as it is the first time the state will take on this role in the festival's 52-year history. Aaron Sala, the festival director, emphasized the importance of this event during a recent government meeting, highlighting its potential to unite Pacific peoples and address critical issues such as climate change and environmental sustainability.

Sala presented a request for $1.5 million from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, which he described as essential for establishing the office as a cohost alongside the state of Hawaii. He noted that the state has already committed over $10 million to support the festival, which is recognized as the largest gathering of indigenous Pacific Islanders globally.

The festival, which has been a platform for high-level governmental engagement since its inception in 1972, aims to foster dialogue among Pacific nations about shared challenges and cultural practices. Sala underscored the festival's role in reinforcing relationships with other Pacific communities, stating that it is a unique opportunity for Hawaii to reconnect with its cultural heritage and its neighbors across the ocean.

As the festival approaches, there is a strong emphasis on leveraging this event to enhance the Office of Hawaiian Affairs' representation on an international stage, engaging with organizations from Australia, American Samoa, Taiwan, and Fiji, among others. Sala concluded by expressing a commitment to ensuring that the festival reflects the rich cultural traditions of Hawaii and strengthens ties within the Pacific community.