2019 Preservation Honor Awards Ceremony and Reception

On Friday, May 31^st, Historic Hawai‘i Foundation had the honor of presenting seventeen Preservation Awards and nineteen Anniversary Recognitions at the 45^th annual Preservation Honor Awards Ceremony and Reception. Over 225 guests gathered at the historic YWCA Laniākea in downtown Honolulu to celebrate significant achievements in the preservation of Hawai‘i’s unique history, distinctive architecture and sacred places.

Emcee Lacy Deniz of Hawai‘i News Now announced each award with enthusiasm and aloha spirit. Preservation Awards were given in four categories–Individual Achievement, Achievements in Interpretive Media, Programmatic Award, and Project Award–representing diverse projects from across the state.

The 11^th Annual Frank Haines Award for Lifetime Achievement was presented to community advocate Mahealani Cypher in honor of her lifelong work in preserving wahi pana, mo‘olelo and cultural traditions.

The 100^th, 125^th, 150^th, and 175^th year anniversaries of 19 kama‘āina businesses and organizations in Hawai‘i were recognized for their longevity and contributions to Hawai‘i’s culture and economy.

Thanks to the support of our members, event sponsors, and the efforts of our preservation community, this year’s Preservation Awards program showcased the rich history and diversity of the Hawaiian Islands and why preservation matters.

Download Program (PDF)

Congratulations to all 2019 Preservation Award honorees!

Mahalo nui to our Event Sponsors

Presenting Sponsor

Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

Event Photos

Photos by Michelle Mishina Photography

Click on any photo to view by Slide Show

2019 HONOREES

11^th ANNUAL FRANK HAINES AWARD

Māhealani Cypher, community leader and consultant on Native Hawaiian issues, historic preservation and Hawaiian perspectives on planning and conservation, was honored as the recipient of the 2019 Frank Haines Award.

Cypher has been involved as a community advocate on Windward O‘ahu issues for over 40 years, participating in numerous community and Hawaiian organizations since 1975. She is a member of the Kāne‘ohe Neighborhood Board, the Ko‘olau Foundation and the Ko‘olaupoko Hawaiian Civic Club. She was previously a board member for Hawai‘i Maoli and Kāko‘o ‘Ōiwi.

Cypher is being recognized for her significant preservation and conservation achievements, particularly in the ahupua‘a of He‘eia. Cypher was instrumental in the state’s enactment of a law permitting traditional Hawaiian burials. Inspired by her grandmother, Cypher also initiated the ahupua‘a boundary marker project in 2011 to connect island residents with the original names of the area in which they live, along with the kuleana to care for the natural and cultural resources of these places. Today, she continues to advocate for the preservation of Kawa‘ewa‘e Heiau, Haiku Valley and the agricultural lands of Hoi in He‘eia, along with her colleagues of Ko‘olaupoko Hawaiian Civic Club.

INDIVIDUAL ACHIEVEMENT

Patricia Cockett Bergin, Historian and Teacher, Waimea, Hawai‘i Island
Annalise Kehler, Cultural Resource Planner, Maui County (Emerging Leader)
Hannah Kihalani Springer, Historian and Advocate, Kona Historical Society, Hawai‘i Island

ACHIEVEMENTS IN INTERPRETIVE MEDIA

“Partners in Change: A Biographical Encyclopedia of American Protestant Missionaries in Hawai’i and their Hawaiian and Tahitian Colleagues”

PROGRAMMATIC AWARD

Hands on History at the Kona Coffee Living History Farm, Kealakekua, Hawai‘i Island
Nani ‘Ekolu, Kealakekua, Hawai‘i Island
Wao Kele o Puna Comprehensive Management Plan, Puna, Hawai‘i Island

PROJECT AWARD

Kanewai Springs, Maunalua Bay, O‘ahu
Kapaia Swinging Bridge Reconstruction Project, Līhu‘e, Kaua‘i
Filipino Community Center, Lāna‘i, City, Hawai‘i
Gartley Hall, University of Hawai‘i at Manoa, Honolulu, O‘ahu
Kilauea Elementary School Building B, Kilauea, Kaua‘i
No. 1 Capitol District Building, Honolulu, O‘ahu
Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church, Honolulu, O‘ahu
Battleship Missouri Memorial Teak Project 20, Pearl Harbor, O‘ahu
180 Kline Road Schofield Barracks, O‘ahu
Kyser Auditorium at Tripler Army Medical Center, O‘ahu

ANNIVERSARY RECOGNITIONS

The Preservation Awards also honors the major anniversaries of local organizations, companies and historic places. Please join us in recognizing their success and longevity in serving as a vital part of our communities.

175 YEARS