07/19/24 Restoration Completed on Mahatma Gandhi Statue

Restoration Completed on Mahatma Gandhi Statue

The Mahatma Gandhi statue at the corner of Kalākaua and Kapahulu Avenues

HONOLULU - After nearly 11 months of meticulous work, the Mahatma Gandhi statue entitled "A Fistful of Salt" has been fully restored in Waikīkī.

Hawai'i sculptor Kim Duffett, with over two decades of experience in sculpture restoration, led the project. Duffett repaired fracture cracks and damaged areas, including the walking stick, eyeglasses, and right arm, which had detached during the statue's fall. He also upgraded the anchoring system with marine-grade stainless steel hardware capable of withstanding winds up to 120 mph. The entire sculpture and plaques were sandblasted and treated with a new patina, returning it to its original appearance. The restoration project totaled nearly $38,000.

The statue, located at the corner of Kalākaua Avenue and Kapahulu Avenue, fell from its base in August 2023. The exact cause remains unknown, but high winds and/or vandalism are suspected.

Depicting Mahatma Gandhi, the Indian lawyer renowned for his nonviolent resistance, the statue is a significant landmark in Waikīkī. Gandhi is shown in sandals with his walking stick, symbolizing his march for justice. The statue was a gift to the City and County of Honolulu from the Gandhi Memorial International Foundation and the Jhamandas Watumull Fund in 1990. The Gandhi Memorial International Foundation is dedicated to promoting Gandhi's philosophy through educational programs that encourage nonviolence, truth, and compassion. The statue serves as a lasting reminder of these ideals.

A blessing for the newly restored statue will be held on October 2, 2024, in conjunction with Mahatma Gandhi's annual birthday celebration, organized by the Gandhi International Institute for Peace (GIIP).

-PAU-