Epic rainfall in the spring of 2018 inundated the North Shore of Kaua‘i. In a storm event that lasted from April 13-15, the island was devastated by severe flooding and landslides. In the Waipā area, almost 50-inches of rain fell in 24 hours, setting a national record for rainfall in a single day. Among the hardest hit locations was the Wai‘oli Mission Historic District in Hanalei.
The Mission Hall (1841) had over a foot of flood water throughout the building. When the waters receded, a layer of mud was left behind. The flood caused the wood floors to warp, buckle and pop up, and also caused damage to the walls, doors and electrical systems. The nearby Wai‘oli Hui‘ia Church Sanctuary (1912) also suffered damage from the waters and mud.
The congregation and community volunteers worked together to clean the mud and the immediate damage, but much additional work was needed to restore the two buildings.
Both the Sanctuary and the Mission Hall are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Wai‘oli Mission Hall is the oldest surviving church building on Kaua‘i. It is significant both to the history of Kaua‘i and as a rare surviving example of regional transitional design, incorporating both elements of traditional Hawaiian construction and early missionary building skills and design. Originally constructed with a thatched roof, it was shingled in 1851. After the new church (now 109 years old) opened, the Mission Hall became a gathering place with a variety of community functions.
The rehabilitation project included repairing the joist structures, rebuilding the floors and stage, modifying doors and thresholds to accommodate the new flood protective measures, installing floor vents and mechanical ventilation, repairing furniture and equipment, precision repairs to the trim and wainscoting, and both interior and exterior repainting.
“The Hall’s long history and diverse clientele is key to the rebuilding of Hanlei by providing services and facilities for the North Shore Community,” said Susan Ferrell, Treasurer for the Church.
The general contractor was Shioi Construction, with additional work by Kaua‘i Eco Builders, Precise Line Painting and Plantation Hardwood Floors. Mathew Schaller provided architectural services.
The restoration project was partially funded by a historic preservation grant from the Freeman Foundation, in cooperation with Historic Hawai‘i Foundation. Other funders included the Vidinha Trust, Bank of Hawaii Foundation, Atherton Trust and donations from the congregation. The project benefitted from substantial volunteer and in-kind labor and donations.
Before and after photos below show the extent of damage from rain and mud. A number of volunteers from the community helped with the clean up.
All images courtesy Wai‘Oli Hui‘ia Church, Hanalei, Kaua‘i.
This article was published in the July 2021 issue of HHF’s printed membership newsletter, Historic Hawaiʻi News. Become a member today and start receiving a copy mailed to your doorstep!
To learn about Flood Adaptation Guidelines for historic properties, see this Trends and Issues article.