Falcon Murals Grace Stadium

Kalani art teacher John Nippolt (center) and students (from left) Richmond Burgos, Teualilo Petelo, Tiani Ma'afala and Matthew Tran are honored as they stand by one of their Aloha Stadium murals. Photo from the Hawaii DOE.

Next time sports fans explore the tunnel leading onto the Aloha Stadium field, they should take a look at the walls.

Kalani High School artists are among the muralists picked to liven up the area with their interpretation of “What the Aloha Stadium means to you.”

The competition followed last year’s stadium renovations, and the best high school proposals got the nod in February.

Kalani art teacher John Nippolt and four of his students – Richmond Burgos, Teualilo Petelo, Tiani Ma’afala and Matthew Tran – were recognized Aug. 4 at the stadium’s Media Day to introduce the completed projects. Their work, which began last spring, features silhouettes that depict a variety of stadium activities and people. Paint and supplies were provided.

With more than 200 events of all kinds each year, the tunnel walls offer a high degree of exposure, allowing budding Falcon artists like these to take flight.