HistoricHawaii

Aloha United Way has been a driving force here in Hawai‘i for the past 100 years! AUW has done so much for the community; they have been a beacon of hope and inspiration. Over the past century, AUW has raised a staggering amount for the community, more than $677 million. We were humbled to celebrate and recognize AUW for their milestone anniversary at our 45th Annual Preservation Honor Awards Ceremony this past May. To really implement change and provide support, we must come together as a community. AUW’s tagline for their Centennial Celebration is, “Creating Change Together.” This is such a simple yet important sentiment. Maura Dolormente, Director of Marketing and Communications at AUW provided an incredible statistic; last year alone, AUW invested in $16.2 million into the community and supported 315 non-profit partner agencies. It truly is beautiful to see the amazing things that can happen when we support, lift up, and work with one another. Transforming Lives and Spreading Aloha are two big parts of AUW’s outreach; and they have done just that since 1919. As an organization, they have been able to support and address the various issues our community here in Hawai‘i faces on a daily basis. I wholeheartedly believe AUW will continue on this amazing path of creating a better future for Hawai‘i and to remind us all to, “Live United.”   *Photo from the Aloha United Way Instagram Page

Historic Hawai‘i Foundation's executive director and education program manager enjoyed a site visit to the Hakalau Jodo Mission, perched on the stunning Hamakua Coast on Hawai‘i Island, on Kamehameha Day 2019 while on island for HHF's annual preservation seminars co-hosted by the National Park Service. Community engagement and ongoing stewardship of this beautiful and significant historic place is notable and inspiring. An upcoming  presentation on the history and meaning of Obon and Bon Dance lent an air of great excitement and a multitude of other activities and events such as yoga, farmers market and senior luncheons help introduce new members and local community to the rich history of the Mission and plantation era. The Mission received a preservation grant through Historic Hawai‘i Foundation in 2018 that will help repair leaks and water damage in the temple and social hall; restore the decorative medallions on the temple facade; repair windows and doors and install safety barriers at the remains of the former language school. Community member and Mission steward, Susan Forbes, DrPH, who co-authored the Historic Register nomination with architectural historian Don Hibbard, PhD, gave HHF a tour and shares more below about the preservation of the Mission and what makes Hakalau unique. Historic Hawai‘i Foundation: What were some of the threats that this area or property faced? Susan Forbes: Hakalau Jodo Mission has a small, aging membership. Sustainability is a challenge. Fortunately, the Mission is viewed as an important part of the community. The threat is being viewed as irrelevant in a changing environment. The Hakalau Jodo Mission works hard to remain relevant by engaging the community as well as other Buddhist sects. HHF: What was most needed to preserve the Hakalau Jodo Mission? SF: [...]