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 Waikīkī.
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 Hawaiʻi.
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.
Addressing a Critical Need
According to the Hawaiʻi Department of Health, Hawaiʻi 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…