HONOLULU (KHON2) -- For artist and illustrator Solomon Enos, a passion for community art projects is deeply rooted in his childhood. “Growing up in Hawaiʻi, I’ve always been part of community-building projects,” he said. “It’s in my DNA.” Get Hawaii's latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You Now, with the State Capitol Pools art project, Enos is not just giving the people of Hawaiʻi a chance to contribute to a grand artistic vision. He’s turning their participation into something permanent that will last for generations. Enos, who is currently serving as the artist in residence at the Hawaiʻi's state art museum, is working on what will soon be one of the largest contemporary art installations in the history of Hawaiʻi. The Capitol Pools project involves transforming the area behind the House and Senate chambers at the State Capitol, a space once occupied by deteriorating water features, into a walkable glass surface. This installation addresses both an environmental and aesthetic concern and will become a lasting monument to the collective contribution of the people of Hawaiʻi. “This project celebrates a little bit of individuality and our collective community,” Enos said. “Each mark that someone adds is like a drop of water to an ocean. It’s small, but when you look at it as a whole, it’s something much larger.” The Capitol Pools art installation was inspired by an ongoing issue: the deteriorating state of the pools that were originally installed in 1969. What was once a freshwater feature has become increasingly brackish over the years, and it's causing significant water damage to the State Capitol building. Rather than simply fill in the pools and forget about the space, Enos, in collaboration with the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, has designed a solution that transforms the area into a massive, permanent art installation that tells the story of the people of Hawaiʻi. The installation will feature large glass surfaces that will be laid out to form a unique and intricate design. It's a design that incorporates thousands of small contributions from individuals across the state. “This is an opportunity for people to leave their mark, literally. What they paint today will be part of a larger design that will be on display for future generations,” Enos explained. Since the project began in August 2024, Enos has worked tirelessly to involve the community. He has traveled across the islands, from Kona to Kahului, gathering marks from residents eager to participate. “I want this project to feel inclusive,” he said. “I’m here to make sure that everyone has the opportunity to contribute, whether they’re young or old, from urban Honolulu or the more rural parts of Hawaiʻi.” In a project as large as this, community engagement is key, Enos said. "This project has made me like a conductor in an orchestra, but the community brings the music," he said, as he emphasized the collaborative nature of the project. While the design itself is the product of Enos’s vision, the public’s involvement is what will truly bring it to life. People can stop by the Capitol Modern to make their mark on the project. Enos has set up his space in the POD (Passion on Display) gallery or the Multi-Purpose Room on the ground floor of the Capitol Modern building. From Monday to Friday, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., visitors are welcome to participate until Nov. 30. While some might think that a project of this scale would be a logistical nightmare, Enos has taken steps to ensure that everything runs smoothly. He acknowledges that this installation is no small feat. The glass will be fabricated in Germany, and the final installation of the project is not expected until the fall of 2027. “Once this is all in place, it’s going to be permanent,” Enos said. “This will be a lasting legacy of the people who contributed their marks.” The design will be scaled up and printed on glass panels to ensure that the artwork will withstand the test of time. “These panels will last for thousands of years,” he added. What’s more, the final design won’t just be a static display of painted glass. Enos is working with lighting experts to add interactive elements to the installation. Elements such as projections and special effects that will make the installation a sight to behold. The goal is to create an immersive experience that engages visitors in a fun and dynamic way. “There will be moments of light and play, but we’re also respecting the seriousness of the space. The State Capitol is the seat of government here in Hawaiʻi, so this artwork needs to reflect that solemnity, while also celebrating community,” he explained. In addition to its artistic significance, the Capitol Pools project also has cultural weight. Enos drew inspiration from the Native Hawaiian tradition of building loko iʻa, or fishponds, which were community-driven projects in which individuals came together to contribute small efforts toward a much larger collective goal. “It’s about creating something bigger than yourself,” Enos said. “Just like the loko iʻa, this project celebrates how the contributions of many individuals can come together to create something that benefits everyone.” For those interested in participating, the opportunity remains open until the end of the month. After Nov. 30, Enos will finalize the design and begin the process of scaling the art up for its permanent installation. The finished piece will be unveiled, and the Capitol Pools art installation will be fully integrated into the historic site. People and their families from across Hawaiʻi will be able to return and reflect on the marks they made for generations to come. “I want people to feel like they’ve been part of something important,” Enos said. “This project is more than just art. It’s about building community and creating something that will endure long after we’re gone.” Enos is already thinking ahead as he imagines how the art installation could evolve into an augmented reality experience that will enhancing the interactive elements of the installation. “It’s about future-proofing,” he explained. “We want this to be something that continues to grow and adapt as technology advances.” As the public continues to contribute to the Capitol Pools project, they are helping to turn what was once an eyesore into a stunning and meaningful artwork that will be cherished for generations. The design that Enos is creating will stand as a testament to the power of community and the lasting impact of art. For Enos, this project is a culmination of his artistic journey and his commitment to giving back to the community. “I’ve always believed that art is a way to connect people,” he said. “This project is about bringing people together to create something beautiful, something that will endure.” You can click here to learn more. Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHON's morning podcast, every morning at 8 With just days left to participate, Enos invites everyone to stop by the Capitol Modern and leave their mark. “It doesn’t take long to add your touch to the mural,” he said. “But the impact will last forever.”