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A Centennial Reflection: Mānoa Valley Church, Then and Now
A Centennial Reflection: Mānoa Valley Church, Then and Now

A Centennial Reflection: Mānoa Valley Church, Then and Now

Mānoa Valley Church: A Look at Our Past, Present, and Future By Richelle Fujioka, Chair, Mānoa Valley Church Communication Committee; Bette Uyeda, Secretary of the Church Council and Committee member; and Roy Miyahira, Committee member Our Past: The roots of Mānoa Valley Church (MVC) go back to 1922 when the Women's Board of Missions for the Pacific Islands established the Mānoa Mission to serve the needs of farmers in Mānoa Valley. Through the 1940s, the Mission served the spiritual needs of the community and also provided programs such as a kindergarten for children, health care services, Red Cross and 4-H club classes, and other services. In November 1946 the Mission was reorganized and Mānoa Valley Church was established. Ten years later the Church was incorporated and in 1964 members raised funds and broke ground on a gymnasium and sanctuary. The video below portrays the commitment of members as they helped actually construct the buildings that exist today. Our Present: In 2021, Mānoa Valley Church celebrated the 75th anniversary of its establishment after its reorganization from the former Mānoa Mission. Over the years it has served as a religious center for the valley, providing a place of worship and spiritual education for all and opportunities to serve the community. The Church also operates a Preschool, which recently achieved accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), After School Care and Summer Fun programs for over 200 children. These programs provide educational, social, spiritual, recreational, and cultural experiences for children whose families need child care services throughout the year. In 2013 the Church undertook a major renovation of its facilities including the installation of an elevator, a multi-purpose activity room, improvements to [...]

HistoricHawaii2022-11-18T09:25:14-10:00September 30th, 2022|Categories: Blog|

Historic Ali‘iōlani Hale Commemorates its 150th Year
Historic Ali‘iōlani Hale Commemorates its 150th Year

Historic Ali‘iōlani Hale Commemorates its 150th Year

Since 1874, Ali‘iōlani Hale has been the home of the Hawai‘i Supreme Court. The building was commissioned by King Kamehameha V and built between 1871 and 1874. The name means “house of Heavenly Kings.” Originally designed as a palace, King Kamehameha V instead decided to use it as a government office building for the growing kingdom. It held the executive offices, legislature and judiciary. The name Ali‘iōlani was one of the given names of Kamehameha V. He laid the cornerstone in 1872, but died before the building was completed in 1874. Seeking to abolish the Hawaiian Monarchy, the Committee of Public Safety took over Ali‘iōlani Hale on January 17, 1893. Queen Lili’uokalani, to avoid violence, abdicated. At the Ali’iolani Hale, the declaration of the Provisional Government of the Hawaiian Island was read marking the overthrow of the traditional Hawaiian monarchy and the beginning of government by American interests which eventually led to statehood for Hawai‘i. After the overthrow of the sovereign in 1893, the legislature and administrative functions were relocated to Iolani Palace, leaving Ali‘iōlani Hale for the courts. The Hawai‘i Judiciary remains the primary occupant. The King Kamehameha V Judiciary History Center is also located in the building and provides public exhibits and programs related to Hawai‘i’s legal history. Ali‘iōlani Hale was designed by Thomas Rowe of Sydney, Australia and is constructed of concrete blocks that were cast and fitted to resemble cut stone, with a coral foundation to support the concrete block walls. The interior features two open rotundas with lantern roofs, and the exterior walls are lined with arched entrances and windows. The central clock tower is four stories high and has dials facing each of the four directions. The [...]

HistoricHawaii2022-11-18T09:25:41-10:00September 23rd, 2022|Categories: Blog|Tags: #konowaena#savingplaces #HistoricHawaii|

The King David Kalākaua Building Marks its Centennial
The King David Kalākaua Building Marks its Centennial

The King David Kalākaua Building Marks its Centennial

The History & Architecture The King David Kalākaua Building in Honolulu is a government building at 335 Merchant Street originally built for the U.S. Post Office, Customhouse, and Courthouse. It served as the official seat of administration for the Territory of Hawaii. The building sits opposite Iolani Palace on the previous site of the opera house. It was designed in 1918 by New York architecture firm York and Sawyer in cooperation with local architects, and built from 1921 to 1922 in the Mission/Spanish Revival style. An addition to the building for the Treasury Department was started in 1929 and opened in 1931. Design features include terracotta tile, adobe and stucco walls, courtyards, arches, arcades, towers, and bell-gables. Hawai‘i-based architects included a melding of outdoor-indoor spaces, skylights, local decorative elements, and adaptations to accommodate trade winds and maximize air flow. Some of its significant architectural features include its asymmetrical composition and cluster design, with structures joined by the exterior arcade and corridors. A flat-roofed arcade wraps from Merchant to Richards Streets around the mauka side of the building and leads into a corridor lined with postboxes—creating a seamless transition between the outside and inside. Neoclassical columns with stylized hibiscus blossoms give a nod to Hawai‘i. Inside, a spacious lobby with a marble double staircase establishes a sense of openness, which is matched by the wide main corridors on the second and third floors. The building is set back from the street behind a lawn with tropical trees and foliage. Although its stucco and terracotta style contrasts with the more ornate Neoclassical styles of its neighbors Iolani Palace and Ali‘iōlani Hale, its Spanish Colonial Revival vernacular links it with the nearby Honolulu Hale complex. Its current use is to house the offices [...]

HistoricHawaii2022-11-18T09:26:10-10:00September 16th, 2022|Categories: Blog|Tags: #saving places #HistoricHawaii|

100 Years of Wildcat Pride at Konawaena High School
100 Years of Wildcat Pride at Konawaena High School

100 Years of Wildcat Pride at Konawaena High School

Today, a living history museum on campus shows how the school has progressed from its humble beginnings. Konawaena High School, located on the slopes of Mauna Loa on Hawai‘i island, celebrated its centennial year in 2021. The name “Konawaena” means “the center of the leeward side.” The area, at the time, was described as having rocky soil, with large piles of pāhoehoe. The high school’s history traces to the Konawaena School, an elementary school established by H. S. Greenwell in the late 1800s next to the Central Kona Church. Its young students tried their hand at agriculture – growing daikon, beans and corn. In less than two decades, the school population grew to 300 pupils. Julian Yates, the county supervisor, and Bertha Ben Taylor, Supervising Principal of West Hawai‘i Schools, requested funding from the Territorial Legislature for the growing school. In 1921, the school was expanded to a nine-room school serving Grades 1-9 at its present location. Buildings included a new cafeteria and shop which were constructed with wood from the original school. Cooking, sewing, carpentry, shop, gardening, and later, homemaking were taught. Principal Clyde E. Crawford supported the school as it met many new milestones. One year later, Konawaena School joined the Big Island Football Federation and saw construction of a new gymnasium – the first on the island – “consisting of a roof, wooden floor, and lots of fresh air.” A Centennial Edition of the school newspaper summarized the celebratory events organized by the school and alumni. It was not until 1928 that the school recognized its official mascot and colors as we know them today. The Konawaena Wildcats charged their opponents energetically at a football game against St. [...]

HistoricHawaii2022-11-18T09:26:44-10:00September 16th, 2022|Categories: Blog|Tags: #konowaena#savingplaces #HistoricHawaii|

Ka Leo O Hawai‘i, UH Mānoa’s Student Newspaper, Turns 100
Ka Leo O Hawai‘i, UH Mānoa’s Student Newspaper, Turns 100

Ka Leo O Hawai‘i, UH Mānoa’s Student Newspaper, Turns 100

Former writers and editors include a U.S. senator, congressman, head of the East-West Center and many of Hawai‘i’s well-known journalists. By Shawna Takaki, Hawaii Business Magazine This year’s September issue of Ka Leo O Hawai‘i marks the 100th year of continuous publication for the student newspaper at UH Mānoa. “I’m grateful that a program that has given so much to its student participants and its university community is still around and continuing to serve,” says Jay Hartwell, a former Ka Leo advisor. After its founding in 1907, UH had few students and no student newspaper. Henry Bindt, a UH junior, created the first edition of the newspaper over the course of one summer in 1922, says Hartwell. Bindt, who had been blind since he was 11, would get to campus from Pearl City using three different trolley lines and would often complete assignments after his brother and father read them to him. He spent months writing and designing the first edition of the campus newspaper, which was published on Sept. 13, 1922. The next year, other students joined what was then called The Hawaii Mirror, which would evolve into Ka Leo O Hawai‘i, meaning the Voice of Hawai‘i. A print edition continues to be published occasionally, but the paper’s main outlet today is its website, manoanow.org/kaleo, which includes both current stories and many from the archives of the printed paper. Amanda Dick is this year’s editor in chief. Distinguished Alumni Many Ka Leo staffers have gone on to become professional reporters, editors, photographers and designers at journalism outlets in Hawai‘i and on the mainland. Two current Hawaii Business Magazine staff writers, Noelle Fujii-Oride and Chavonnie Ramos, both served as editor in chief at Ka Leo. [...]

HistoricHawaii2022-11-18T09:27:14-10:00September 9th, 2022|Categories: Blog|Tags: #hawaiibusiness #kaleo|

‘Ohanalei Gallery + Store Launches a T-Shirt in Honor of Route 560: Proceeds to Support HHF
‘Ohanalei Gallery + Store Launches a T-Shirt in Honor of Route 560: Proceeds to Support HHF

‘Ohanalei Gallery + Store Launches a T-Shirt in Honor of Route 560: Proceeds to Support HHF

Located in Hanalei, Kaua‘i, ‘Ohanalei is a unique art gallery and retail space created by co-owners Ryan Hakman and Ke‘ale Chang who share a common ethos in highlighting the history and stories that make Kaua‘i a special place. They deftly translate their appreciation of Hanalei's past through storytelling and art, making the past relevant in a tangible and engaging way. At first glance, the gallery’s logo—a cast iron wok draped with a tī leaf lei—may seem a bit mysterious to those unfamiliar with local lore. A video created by Ryan and Kea‘le, ‘Ohanalei Stories – Black Pot, shares the beautiful story behind its symbolism. The video features Bobo Hamyoung and his cousin, Wendell Goo, talking story about huki-ing – friends and family gathering at Hanalei Pier to help cast fishing nets and haul in the catch. The hard work was easier with many hands. Most of the catch would be taken to a grocery store and traded for food and drink. The rest would be shared with everyone who had helped fish and all were welcome to enjoy the meals that followed. Local-style dishes were cooked on open fire in a wok, a “black pot,” on the beach. Bobo’s grandfather, Henry Tai Hook, was the original leader of the hukilaus; both men were beloved for their generous spirit and larger than life personality that brought people together. The name Black Pot Beach pays homage to Tai Hook’s legacy. “Nobody had money. And money wasn’t the purpose…It was like a gathering place. Even though not fishing, no anything, people used to go down there together…We cook anything we want…and I still have that wok.” - Bobo Hamyoung, ‘Ohanalei Stories – Black Pot This is [...]

HistoricHawaii2022-11-18T09:29:23-10:00September 2nd, 2022|Categories: Blog|Tags: #ohanalei #historichawaii|

Dillingham Ranch Celebrates 125 Years
Dillingham Ranch Celebrates 125 Years

Dillingham Ranch Celebrates 125 Years

Branches over the lane. Photo Courtesy: Dillingham Ranch. Dillingham Ranch is located on the beautiful North Shore of O‘ahu. It holds a deep and captivating history; let us take a look back in celebration of its 125th Anniversary! Hawai‘i Life’s Director of Conservation and Legacy Lands, Beth Thoma Robinson writes, "The traditional name for this ‘āina is Mokulē‘ia – which means ‘district of abundance.’ The North Shore is still referred to as The Country by O‘ahu residents who intend to keep it that way. This property (Dillingham Ranch) is embedded in a community with a strong sense of place.”1 Dillingham Ranch was established in 1897 by Benjamin Franklin Dillingham, who became Hawai‘i’s first railroad tycoon. In 1917, Dillingham’s son, Walter Dillingham, built Dillingham Lodge with the help of his siblings, Harold and Marion. Known as “Hawai‘i’s greatest builder,” Walter Dillingham is credited with shaping Dillingham Ranch into what it is today as well as changing the entire O‘ahu landscape.2 “From my father, I inherited the moving vision that saw these islands prosperous.” Walter Dillingham Dillingham Ranch is a rare property, offering all of the charms and essence of Hawai‘i, from white sandy beaches to mountain terrain and acres of open green space scattered with coconut trees, monkey pods and rare plant species indigenous to Hawai‘i. Peacocks and ducks flutter around the grounds while horses and cows graze in the fields. Visitors can enjoy horseback riding, surfing, hiking and parasailing while experiencing local culture and history, all in one truly special place.3 Dillingham Lodge of the "Big House." Photo Courtesy: Dillingham Ranch. Through the generations, Dillingham Ranch has welcomed notable guests and sportsmen and has been home to many cattlemen and ranchers. [...]

HistoricHawaii2022-09-19T11:04:07-10:00September 1st, 2022|Categories: Blog|Tags: #hawaiicapitaldistrict #savingplaces #HistoricHawaii #kamehamehav|

Nu‘uanu Pali Road – 1897: Crossing the Ko‘olau Range
Nu‘uanu Pali Road – 1897: Crossing the Ko‘olau Range

Nu‘uanu Pali Road – 1897: Crossing the Ko‘olau Range

Footpath to First Road before the 20th Century by Ann Yoklavich From at least as far back as the late 1700s, in some of the first written histories in Hawai‘i there have been accounts of the footpath that traversed the precipice of the windward side’s Pali up to the narrow pass at the eastern end of Nu‘uanu Valley. There is no known date of the first trail building here, but it pre-dated western contact, since this vicinity for the cross-Ko‘olau trail provided “the most direct route between Windward Oahu and Honolulu.”[1] Foot traffic increased between the windward and leeward sides of this range, as the needs to communicate and trade grew after Western contact, since most foreign trading ships gathered in Honolulu Harbor. The Pali trail, date unknown. Source: Hawai‘i State Archives: PP-60-2-29. Foreigners found the trail fearfully steep at the top of the windward side, with a sheer drop of several hundred feet. Many first-time visitors to the Pali view point, at the top of the trail, noted that Hawaiians negotiated the path with assurance and ease. The Pali horse trail, date unknown. Source: Hawai‘i State Archives: PP-60-2-19. Demands for improvements to the footpath “began by the 1830s and were primarily driven by foreigners.”[2] Many wanted to plant on the fertile and well-watered windward lands, but needed better access across the Ko‘olau range for exporting, or for selling in Honolulu’s larger market, their agricultural products, including sugarcane. In 1845, during the reign of King Kamehameha III, improvements to the footpath transformed it into a horse trail. The king and his minister of the Interior, Gerrit Judd, were the first to ride the trail on horseback.[3] A rainstorm in 1848 washed [...]

HistoricHawaii2022-11-18T09:27:49-10:00August 31st, 2022|Categories: Blog|Tags: #hawaiicapitaldistrict #savingplaces #HistoricHawaii #kamehamehav|

The First Printing: A Written Hawaiian Language
The First Printing: A Written Hawaiian Language

The First Printing: A Written Hawaiian Language

This article, researched and written by Hawaiian Mission Houses, commemorates the Bicentennial Anniversary of Hawai‘i's first printing press and the development of a written Hawaiian language. ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i For centuries, the Hawaiian language thrived in a strong oral tradition, using chant and song to record history and genealogies and share stories over generations. Recording the language in written symbols was an unfamiliar concept. ‘Ōpūkahai‘a, a native Hawaiian man who made his way to Connecticut and converted to Christianity there, began developing a system of writing the Hawaiian language that incorporated both number and letters. He died in 1818 before returning to Hawai‘i, and his system was unused. The Pioneer company brought the original Ramage printing press to Hawaiʻi in 1820. It was used to print the first written Hawaiian language documents. A replica today is in the Hawaiian Mission Houses Hale Paʻi. Image courtesy Hawaiian Mission Houses. The missionaries of the Pioneer Company, who were inspired by ‘Ōpūkahai‘a’s life story, believed that the Bible and the ability to read it was fundamental to becoming a Christian. They were committed that the Bible be in the Hawaiian language, which meant developing the written word. The ali‘i drove this effort, with King Kamehameha II asking the missionaries to teach his people to read and write in ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i, and Queen Ka‘ahumanu later stating, “When schools are established, all the people shall learn the palapala (writing).”[1] Work done from 1820-22 to establish a Hawaiian alphabet is not well documented, but the first printing revealed an alphabet of five vowels and twelve consonants. The codification and standardization of the written Hawaiian language took shape between 1822-26, and was a collaborative effort involving Hawaiian scholars, Tahitian missionaries, ABCFM [...]

HistoricHawaii2022-09-19T09:24:38-10:00August 25th, 2022|Categories: Blog|

Washington Place Celebrates 175 Years
Washington Place Celebrates 175 Years

Washington Place Celebrates 175 Years

Washington Place. Photo Courtesy of Washington Place Foundation. Washington Place is one of O‘ahu's most treasured landmarks as the home of Hawai‘i’s last ruling monarch and subsequent state governors and their families. The treasured stories of this place are never to be forgotten. This year, Washington Place turns 175 years! Let us take a look back at its history. The construction of Washington Place began in 1842 as the residence of Captain John Dominis, an American ship captain and merchant, and his wife Mary and their son John Owen. Unfortunately, the captain was lost at sea and was never able to live in the house upon its completion in 1847. In order to retain ownership of the home, his wife, Mary Dominis, chose to take in boarders, including Anthony Ten Eyck, the United States Commissioner, who suggested to Mrs. Dominis in 1848 that she name the house after America’s first president, George Washington. Permission was granted by King Kamehameha lll with the provision that the house keep the name "in all time coming.”1 The architecture of Washington Place is a distinctive combination of Greek revival elements and indigenous materials, including coral and rare woods. According to "175 Years at Washington Place,"2 a booklet researched and written by architect Katie Stephens and historian Don J. Hibbard for the Hawai‘i State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, Captain Dominis wrote to friends in Boston asking for their help with procuring items, such as door and window sashes, blinds, locks, glass and lumber, for the new house. When ordering the items, Dominis seems to have "specified the materials according to his own ideas for the building," in some cases adding his own drawings to illustrate them. [...]

HistoricHawaii2022-09-19T09:24:28-10:00August 24th, 2022|Categories: Blog|Tags: #hawaiicapitaldistrict #savingplaces #HistoricHawaii #kamehamehav|