Honolulu to Move Volcano Sculpture for Stadium Work

The 1981 copper and bronze sculpture must be relocated by 2029 to clear space for a new road at the Aloha Stadium site.

Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Dance

Gouache-painted editorial illustration of a weathered metal sculpture standing in a dusty, barren urban construction site. — Honolulu officials are planning to relocate a historic 1981 bronze sculpture by 2029 to accommodate a new road at Aloha Stadium. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should local governments prioritize using public funds to relocate existing art during new construction projects?

Officials are seeking legislative funding to move a 20-foot tall sculpture by late 2028 as construction for a new stadium district begins in Honolulu. The planned road and four-way intersection will occupy the land where the iconic artwork currently stands.

Why it matters

A recent change in state law prevents the use of dedicated art funds for relocation, forcing the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts to request a general fund appropriation. This project highlights the complex logistical and financial challenges of preserving public art during large-scale urban development.

The relocation is estimated to cost approximately $600,000 for the 20-foot tall sculpture. The site currently sits in the way of a planned four-way intersection for the new stadium project.

The players

Satoru Abe

He is the artist who created the Volcano sculpture in 1981.

State Foundation on Culture and the Arts

This organization is responsible for the state's art collection and is seeking funding for the sculpture's move.

The details

Created by Satoru Abe in 1981, the Volcano sculpture sits on a base containing nine feet of concrete at the Aloha Stadium. Developers plan to build a new road and intersection directly through the current site, requiring the monument to be moved.

1967: Hawaii enacted the percent-for-art law.
1981: Satoru Abe created the Volcano sculpture.
2025: State law governing the Works of Art Special Fund changed.
Late 2028 to early 2029: The sculpture must be moved for stadium construction.

Industry Dynamics

This project illustrates the growing tension between public art preservation and modern infrastructure development in urban districts. It follows a pattern of legacy artistic installations requiring relocation due to shifting land-use priorities in major sporting complexes.

Residents should expect the sculpture to become temporarily inaccessible to the public as it is removed and relocated between 2028 and 2029. Future access will depend on the site chosen for the permanent reinstallation of the artwork.

The takeaway

Large-scale construction projects often require the displacement of community landmarks, highlighting the need for early planning in infrastructure developments. Residents can monitor public board meetings for updates regarding where the sculpture will be relocated.