%20(1).png)
The Foundation recently revealed this beautiful Duke Kahanamoku license plate design by local artist Kamea Hadar. The plate is intended to perpetuate Duke's legacy while raising funds for drowning prevention and swimming development grants. The plates are expected to be available at all DMV offices starting in December 2025.
WAIKIKI, Hawaii (August 15, 2025) – The Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Foundation, in partnership with the City and County of Honolulu Division of Motor Vehicles, unveiled the design for a new Duke Kahanamoku specialty license plate on Friday during the opening ceremony of the Duke Kahanamoku OceanFest at the Duke Kahanamoku Statue in Waikiki.
The specialty license plates are expected to be available for purchase in late 2025 through local DMV vehicle registration offices across the islands, with proceeds supporting critical drowning prevention initiatives and swimming programs throughout Hawaii.
The striking plate design was gifted by acclaimed local artist Kamea Hadar, known for his vibrant portraits and murals celebrating Hawaiian culture and iconic figures. The unveiling was a meaningful tribute to Duke, preceded by a reverent lei draping ceremony at his statue in front of the waters where he grew up.
According to the Hawaii Department of Health, Hawaii ranks second in the nation for the rate of resident drowning, with drowning being the leading cause of death for keiki ages 1-15. The new license plate program represents a meaningful step toward addressing this urgent public health crisis.
“Hawaii is the home to some of the world’s most highly skilled watermen and women. Drowning should not be so common. We hope that this program will help transfer more water safety and swimming skills to those in our community who lack access," said Sarah Fairchild, Executive Director of the Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Foundation, and co-founder of the Hawaii Water Safety Coalition.
The license plate initiative stems from legislation introduced by Senator Glenn Wakai and signed into law by Governor Josh Green in 2024. The bill was championed by the Hawaii Water Safety Coalition in response to Hawaii's high drowning rates.
Artist Kamea Hadar's contribution honors the legacy of Duke Paoa Kahanamoku, Hawaii's legendary Olympic swimmer and surfing ambassador.
“I feel incredibly honored to be able to honor someone so special… OceanFest is about coming together and being competitive around surfing and athleticism, and sharing that aloha spirit that he had as a person and that we have as people in Hawaii. That is why the focus of the artwork is on him, his face, and his beautiful smile," said Hadar, whose work he labels as "Hybridism" – a hybridization of traditional and modern culture.
Since 1986, the Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Foundation has awarded 893 grants and 1,192 scholarships totaling over $3.9 million in community investment. Proceeds from the specialty license plate sales will be administered through the Foundation's grant program to support drowning prevention and swimming programs statewide.
The Duke Kahanamoku OceanFest continues through August 24, celebrating Hawaii's beloved waterman through amateur ocean sports competitions, including keiki surfing, longboarding, beach volleyball, ocean swimming, foil surfing, lifeguard competitions, surfboard water polo, and more. The festival will culminate with a special lei draping ceremony honoring Duke's 135th birthday at his statue on August 24 at 7 a.m.
Those interested in receiving an email alert when the plate goes on sale may sign up at this link: https://dukefoundation.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/dukefoundation/subscribe.jsp?subscription=46
The mission of the Foundation is to financially support the development of individuals and organizations that perpetuate the spirit and legacy of Duke Kahanamoku through water sports, water safety, and volleyball. The Foundation operates the Hawaii Waterman Hall of Fame and is also supported by proceeds from the Duke Kahanamoku OceanFest. www.dukefoundation.org
The Duke Kahanamoku OceanFest celebrates the life and legacy of Hawaii's beloved waterman through amateur ocean sports competitions. Net proceeds benefit the Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Foundation scholarships and grants programs. www.dukekahanamokuoceanfest.com
Kamea Hadar is a Honolulu-based artist whose work has evolved from traditional portraiture to large-scale murals and installations found in cities around the world. He is the Co-Lead Director of POW! WOW! Worldwide, a global network organizing art exhibitions, schools, and installations across the globe. www.kameahadar.com
The City and County of Honolulu Division of Motor Vehicles provides a range of motor vehicle, licensing, and public services, and conducts regulatory functions. www.honolulu.gov/csd/
High-Resolution Photos:
Photos from the license plate design reveal at OceanFest opening ceremonies:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1zajD5oix9rai1RnLK7ZsRdqzwvHRDKjo?usp=sharing
Credit: Kelli Hergert of Kelli With An Eye Photography
###
