HONOLULU, HAWAII
Aia Hele Kakou
Aia Hele Kakou is an emblem that represents the Hawai‘i Labor Relations Board (HLRB) – an organization founded in 1970 that protects the public unions and employers of Hawai‘i. The visual identity is inspired by objects of justice in Western and Hawaiian cultures, conveying a message to “Aia Hele Kakou” or to “trust & adhere” the law. The emphasis on justice and order defines the foundations of the board – one that is true to the tradition of settling cases that allow for “liberty and justice for all.”
This identity was chosen out of 13 candidates and was proposed in a process book that displayed the progress and development of the concepts and ideas behind the final design.
ROLE
Art Direction
Branding
TOOLS
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe InDesign
CLIENT
The State of Hawaii
Hawaii Labor Relations Board
Research & Sketches
Throughout my research, I focused on strategic uses of colors, typefaces, emblematic framing, and central objects of justice. Various departments within the United States that deal with law and order were compared to one another.
The initial sketching process first began with simple icons and objects of justice. Once I had decided on the traditional circular framing for the emblem, I began to experiment by combining conventional objects found in Western justice and expanded upon it to incorporate the natural beauty of Hawaiʻi through native plants and scenery.
Over time, the identity developed and minute details became focal points. Text placement and composition were also balanced in the final proposed identity.
Symbolism
BRILLIANCE: The rising sun and kalo are in reference to the state seal, which represents the brilliance and rebirth of Hawai‘i as a new nation. They are related to the Hawaiian tradition of cultivating and honoring a stable community.
BALANCE & HARMONY: The Scales of Justice represent the impartial fairness of the law. A bird atop the scales symbolizes the importance of liberty in judgment. It conveys a notion that the people are able to rely on the board to make fair decisions that either restrict or grant freedom.
JUDGEMENT: The Book of Knowledge is representative of learning and wisdom. It signifies the importance of judgment in finalizing decisions–dictating the permanence of both law and order.
HIERARCHY: The kapu stick is symbolic of the Ali‘i, in which it is significant to granting spiritual and physical authority to represent and protect Hawai‘i and the people. It references the ancient Hawaiian code of conduct–putting emphasis on the importance of law and regulations.
Color of Composure
Blue is a color associated with trust, intellect, and piety–expressing authority and officialism. It is also commonly known to represent calmness and tranquility, allowing for balance and harmony.
Grey is a neutral, balanced color that possesses formal, conservative, and sophisticated qualities. It is a reserved color that conveys a sense of composure and dependability while remaining official.
Together blue and grey suggest security, heritage, and stability that communicates approachability and reliability. The combination emits a somber and serious tone that is suitable for justice and order.
