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So far HistoricHawaii has created 1696 blog entries.

Kauai Modern available for purchase online in the HHF Gift Store

“Kaua‘i Modern” showcases a small but significant portion of the mid-20th century modern architecture movement on Kaua‘i examining how Hawaii’s post-World War II building boom shaped island communities. Architectural historian Don Hibbard and noted author Pat Griffin provide insight on the architectural features, historical background and social context of Modernist buildings and places around Kaua‘i, beautifully photographed by David Franzen. Funding was provided by the Hawaii Council for the Humanities to promote the richness and value of the humanities—including an understanding of the architectural history and preservation of Hawaii’s past—for the Hawaiian Islands. (Books purchased now will be shipped beginning October 1, 2017.)

2018-07-12T00:23:01-10:00October 4th, 2017|Categories: Uncategorized|

September 12: WWII Battlefield Preservation Plan to Be Shared With Public

Scars and remnants of the December 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor are still visible on Ford Island. Over the past 75 years, the strafing marks, bomb craters and other reminders of the battle have been carefully documented and preserved, even as the naval station has experienced modifications and changes during World War II and the Cold War, through the current era. As part of the Pearl Harbor National Historic Landmark, the Ford Island runway and hardstand areas serve as reminders of the impact of the battle that launched the United States into World War II. The events of that day marked the start of the defining era of the 20th century. Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor has completed a historic context study and inventory about aspects of the December 7 battle and developed a plan for preserving and sharing the remaining physical elements that tell the story of the battlefield. The public is invited to learn about how the December 7 attack impacted Ford Island, and how historians are using the physical markings and scars to recreate the battle.  A preservation and historic stewardship plan for the area has been drafted for public input before finalizing the submittal to the American Battlefields Protection Program. The presentation and community discussion will be held on Tuesday, September 12 at 4:00 p.m. in the auditorium of the Pearl Harbor Visitors’ Center.  The free event is co-sponsored by Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor, Historic Hawai‘i Foundation and the National Park Service, with support from Booz Allen and the US Navy. Event Info When: Tuesday, September 12, 4:00 pm Where: Pearl Harbor Visitor's Center Auditorium This event is FREE

2017-09-19T15:05:26-10:00September 6th, 2017|Categories: Events - Past|

How Can I Address Energy Efficiency in My Historic Building? Thinking and Acting with a Sustainable Mindset

By Melanie Islam It’s undeniable that preserving an existing building is one of the most sustainable building actions. Embodied energy is conserved and environmental impacts are limited by building reuse. Yet, nearly 74% of the energy produced in the U.S. is used to operate buildings and 38% of CO2 emissions are byproducts of buildings. Inefficient building operations are a result of many things that can be contributed to a building envelope’s response to the natural elements, specified equipment and its performance, or user behavior. Existing building stock represents a majority of building portfolio and addressing the role historic buildings have in positively reducing the larger impact buildings have towards the environment requires a holistic approach that involves all parties – owner, consultant, and occupants—in the decision-making process. By applying the “SWOT process” to building analysis, all parties have the opportunity to understand why historic buildings are inherently sustainability, while identifying the challenges to meet energy efficiency targets. For example, we know that many historic buildings were originally designed to be passive and low-energy structures. These buildings have tall ceilings with operable windows, beautiful day lit stairwells, good wall-to-window ratios, and facades that respond to the local climate conditions. All of these qualities support key sustainability strategies for day lit and naturally ventilated spaces. But, historic building envelopes are often poor thermal barriers, as the walls, roof, and windows lack the required U-value to accommodate for the temperature difference between indoor and outdoor air caused by the introduction of air conditioning. A solution to this problem could be to insulate the walls or roof and properly seal windows and doors to reduce coolth loss by infiltration. This may not be the exact answer, but the [...]

2017-09-06T17:46:36-10:00September 6th, 2017|Categories: Ask an Expert|

Honolulu Joins the 100 Resilient Cities Initiative

On June 8, 2017, 140 stakeholders from 19 sectors representing 117 organizations participated in the Resilient O‘ahu Workshop at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center. The workshops goal: to welcome Honolulu into the 100 Resilient Cities (100RC) initiative pioneered by the Rockefeller Foundation and begin the collective process of devising a “Resilience Strategy” for Oahu.  The newly established Office of Climate Change, Sustainability & Resiliency, created in 2016 when voters approved City Charter Amendment 7, is taking the lead in this effort which falls squarely within its mission to build partnerships to increase sustainability and address climate change on O‘ahu. 100RC was born out of the need for cities, where much of the world’s population resides, to be resilient enough to survive, adapt and grow regardless of increased acute shocks and chronic stresses. Shocks are defined as sudden, sharp events that threaten a city while stresses weaken the fabric of a city over the long haul. Honolulu workshop participants identified top shocks as infrastructure failure, hurricane and other natural disasters with top stressors being rising sea level, high cost of living/access to housing and overreliance on imports. As O‘ahu moves toward formulating a plan, it is important that cultural resources defined as: archaeological sites (surface and buried); historic buildings and structures; objects; districts; ethnographic sites and cultural landscapes be viewed as valuable assets that need protection under the resiliency strategy. Both shocks and stressors have the potential to adversely affect cultural resources by increasing risk of damage or destruction, limiting access to sites which can lead to a loss of connection to a place, culture and traditions and reduced visitation which impacts local business and economy as visitor interest and spending decrease. Resilience implies adaptability, [...]

2017-09-19T15:58:13-10:00September 6th, 2017|Categories: Trends & Issues|

Support Preservation this September through Foodland’s “Give Aloha” Campaign

Historic Hawaii Foundation will participate in Foodland's Annual Community Matching Gifts Program beginning September 1 What? Give Aloha, Foodland's Annual Community Matching Gifts Program, was created in 1999 to honor Foodland’s founder, Maurice J. "Sully" Sullivan, and continue his legacy of giving back to the community.  "Maurice J. "Sully" Sullivan (October 1909 – February 28, 1998) was an immigrant from Ireland who moved to Hawaii and was the co-founder, with See Goo Lau, of Foodland Super Markets, the largest and only locally owned supermarket chain in Hawaii.[1][2] The first store opened on May 6, 1948 in Honolulu, Hawaii.[3] By 2007, Foodland stores could be found on each of the four largest Hawaiian Islands and is the flagship of the Sullivan Family of Companies." (Wikipedia)[2][4]    How to Help Make a donation to Historic Hawai‘i Foundation at any Foodland, Sack N Save or Foodland Farms checkout, and Foodland and the Western Union Foundation will make a donation to our organization, too! Make a donation to our organization at any Foodland, Sack N Save or Foodland Farms checkout, and Foodland and the Western Union Foundation will make a donation to our organization, too! 1)  Show your Maika‘i Card and make a donation to our organization (up to $249 per person) at any Foodland, Sack N Save or Foodland Farms checkout from September 1-30, 2017. Historic Hawai‘i Foundation's donation code is 77064. 2)  Foodland and the Western Union Foundation will match all donations up to a total of at least $300,000 for all organizations combined. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

2017-10-04T23:48:11-10:00August 31st, 2017|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

October Events on Kaua‘i & O‘ahu Foster Appreciation of Modern Architecture

Kaua‘i Modern Events to Share Mid-Century Modern Architecture within a Historical and Social Context This October, Historic Hawai‘i Foundation is partnering with the Hawai‘i chapter of Docomomo US to produce a multi-faceted study of Modern architecture on Kaua‘i.  Architectural historian Don Hibbard and noted author Pat Griffin will provide insight on the architectural features, historical background and social context of Modernist buildings and places around Kaua‘i, beautifully photographed by David Franzen. Project takeaways will include a full-color booklet, guided walking tour in Līhu‘e, as well as school presentations and community gatherings in both Līhu‘e and Honolulu.  Funded in part by a grant from the Hawai‘i Council of the Humanities, the project aims to promote a greater understanding and appreciation of Modern architecture statewide among the general public and all age groups from youth to kūpuna. The booklet will be available in mid-September with tours and public presentations to be held in early October. To encourage appreciation of these notable historic places, the booklet will be distributed to all local public libraries, private school libraries, government leaders and policy makers.  To purchase a copy, please contact Historic Hawai‘i Foundation in mid-September at 523-2900 or email member@historichawaii.org. Click here to download flier. Related events: Līhu‘e Modern Architecture Presentation & Talk Story Friday, October 6 5:00- 7:00 PM Līhu‘e Civic Center, Moikeha Conference Room 2A/2B 4444 Rice Street, Interactive discussion will look at Līhu‘e’s past and reflect on the historic events and social changes that influenced its built environment. Free and open to the public. Registration required. Click here to reserve your space.   Līhu‘e Walking Tour Saturday, October 7 Tour 3:00-5:00 pm Pau Hana 5:00-7:00 pm Meet in front of the Līhu‘e Civic Center, 4444 [...]

2017-10-31T15:52:44-10:00August 22nd, 2017|Categories: Blog, Events - Past|

Diamond Head Unseen: History & Culture Walking Tour of “Secret” Sites at Sunset

An exclusive opportunity to learn more about the military, Native Hawaiian and geological sites in Diamond Head Crater Join us for an one-of-a-kind, guided tour of the Eastern rim of Diamond Head Crater. Denby Fawcett, author of the book, “Secrets of Diamond Head,” and experts from the State Department of Land and Natural Resources, will share historical and cultural mo‘olelo of sites along the Eastern rim of the crater and nearby area. Optional Book Purchase: Denby Fawcett's award-winning book, "Secrets of Diamond Head" may be purchased on Eventbrite when you buy a tour ticket.  A portion of book sale proceeds will support programs ofistoric Hawaii Foundation. Denby will be available at the reception after the tour to sign copies, talk story and take selfies in the crater.    Date: Thursday, August 17, 2017 Time: 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. (arrive by 4:45 p.m.) Place: Diamond Head State Monument Diamond Head Road, Honolulu Cost:  $45 Historic Hawai‘i Foundation Member, $65 General Not yet a member? Click here to join. Parking:  Visitor parking inside Diamond Head Crater. Tickets:   https://diamondheadunseentour.eventbrite.com Come prepared to walk up to 1.5 miles over uneven ground with some steep areas and stairs.  Limited to 70 people. Co-sponsored by the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of State Parks, Diamond Head State Monument  Mahalo to our transportation sponsor, AM Tours Hawaii! We are a family owned local transportation company always looking to develop partnerships with our community.  We love to partner up with our local partners in order to be able to deliver the best transportation experience on the island.  How can we move you? Visit their website at http://www.amthawaii.com/ Download Flier (PDF) CLICK HERE TO REGISTER [...]

2017-08-23T09:35:39-10:00July 18th, 2017|Categories: Events - Past|

Wendie McAllaster

HHF Planners Wendie McAllaster, ASLA, is a registered landscape architect and land use/environmental planner with over 30 years of experience in Hawai‘i.  As a Principal with HHF Planners, she specializes in historic preservation planning and landscape architecture, with an emphasis on cultural landscapes.  Wendie was the project manager and primary author for the award-winning Pearl Harbor Integrated Cultural Resources Management Plan, for seven Cultural Landscape Assessments for historic neighborhoods at Pearl Harbor, and the Rural Historic Landscape Assessment for the Robinson Family Homestead on Kaua‘i.  She contributed to Cultural Landscape Reports for all Navy installations in Hawai‘i.  Wendie received her Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from Michigan State University and Graduate Certificates in Historic Preservation and Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Hawai‘i.  Active in the community, Wendie is a past-president of the Junior League of Honolulu and has served on the local boards of ASLA and APA.  Wendie serves on the Programs committees.

2023-10-03T16:59:38-10:00July 14th, 2017|Categories: Board of Trustees|Tags: |

Honolulu Council Considering Bill to Raise Taxes on Historic Homes

Honolulu Council Bill CB52 (2017) Proposes Increase to Minimum Annual Property Tax on Historic Homes 7/7/2017:  Honolulu City Council has scheduled a public hearing on CB52 CD1 (2017) proposing to raise the annual minimum property tax for historic residences dedicated to preservation to $1000 per year. The minimum property tax for other exemption categories would remain at the current level of $300 annually. The Council hearing will be held on Wednesday, July 12 in Council Chambers at Honolulu Hale. The meeting begins at 10 a.m., with the public hearings scheduled after other matters.  The agenda is available in the sidebar to the right. Under the current tax incentive program for preserving historic homes, property owners may receive a tax exemption for the portion of the property dedicated for historic preservation, subject to conditions that include the property being listed on the Hawai‘i register of historic places, retaining the historic character, providing visual access from the public way and installing a plaque about the historic significance (ROH Sec 8-10.22). The City provides at least 24 categories for property tax exemptions to encourage and support a variety of public benefits, including historic preservation, child care centers, credit unions, slaughterhouses, industrial development, air pollution control, crop shelters, alternative energy development, public service, agriculture, kuleana lands, charitable purposes, low-income rental housing and others. If CB 52 CD1 (2017) is approved, historic residential properties and credit unions would be subject to the higher annual minimum tax rate; other exemptions that qualify under their programs would pay the lower rate. Written testimony should be submitted 24 hours in advance, by Tuesday, July 11.  It may be transmitted via internet at http://www.honolulu.gov/ccl-testimony-form.html for distribution at the meeting or faxed [...]

2017-10-04T23:49:07-10:00June 23rd, 2017|Categories: Advocacy, Blog|

2017 Annual Meeting & Elections

The Board of Trustees invites current Historic Hawai‘i Foundation members to attend the 2017 Annual Meeting on Wednesday, July 12, 2017 at 5:30 p.m., at Nā Kūpuna Makamae in the historic Kaka‘ako Pumping Station, 653 Ala Moana Boulevard, Honolulu, HI 96813. The annual meeting is the time for the members to gather to hear the report of activities and finances from the prior year, to elect members of the board of trustees and president. At this year’s annual gathering, we will also hold a Talk Story session about the priorities for programs and activities for the next five years.

2017-07-14T12:39:48-10:00June 22nd, 2017|Categories: Events - Past|

501(c)3

Historic Hawaii Foundation is a 501(c)3 Nonprofit organization dedicated to saving Hawaii’s historic places. Historic Hawaii Foundation exists because of the financial support of its members. Please do your part to keep Hawaii’s past preserved by becoming a member today. FEIN: 23-7441972

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