MES Kauai

UPDATE: 2015 Article Written By: Katrina Valcourt, HONOLULU Magazine Both bridges are scheduled for replacement, with construction beginning on the Pu‘uopae Bridge in January 2017. Instead of steel girders, which have heavily corroded over the years, the new bridge will have concrete beams and a concrete deck, says Kaua‘i County engineer Larry Dill. After its completion, construction will start on ‘Ōpaeka‘a. “The original ‘Ōpaeka‘a Bridge is an iron truss, with the deck mounted at the bottom of the trusses,” Dill says. “It was rehabilitated in 2009 so that the truss no longer supports the bridge, but remains as a visual element. The proposed replacement bridge would have concrete beams and a concrete deck, and the truss would be restored as part of that project, to maintain the appearance of the original bridge.” Listed as Endangered in: 2012 Article Written By: Kathryn Drury Wagner, HONOLULU Magazine What are they? These one-lane, country bridges have different designs, but both serve as some of the few manmade reminders left of the pre-1920s homestead-lands movements on Kaua’i. “We know about Hawaiian culture, and about sugar plantation culture,” says Pat Griffin, a historian and community-preservation advocate, but little about this era, when, “after Hawai’I became a territory, there was a homesteading movement. It was an Americanizing technique, the idea that, if farmers had some parcels of land, it would make it stronger as a territory, and it also gave Hawaiians land.” The O’paeka’a Bridge is also the only known British-made iron bridge in the U.S., and one of only a few surviving iron bridges in the state. It was built in 1888 over the Wailua River, and a section was recycled in 1919 for use at the O’paeka’a stream. Pu’uopae Bridge is in its original, 1915 location, crossing Kalama Stream. What threatens them? Though safe, the bridges are largely constructed of steel and have [...]

Photos: Courtesy of Timothy Dela Vega UPDATE: 2013 Article Written By: Victoria Wiseman, HONOLULU Magazine A developer has finally purchased this defunct historic resort, which was ravaged by Hurricane ‘Iniki in 1992. Ron Agor, the architect on the project, is dedicated to maintaining its historic integrity. “We are rebuilding structures that can’t be saved on the same footprint,” he says. “All we’re really doing is replacing wooden walls with windows with big glass and putting a railing up. We’re keeping all the structural elements. The whole idea is not to dig the earth, because it’s pretty sacred land. Even if one doesn’t believe in the spiritual, you’re compelled to respect other people’s beliefs.” LISTED AS ENDANGERED IN 2008 Article Written By: Michael Keany, HONOLULU Magazine What is it? The Coco Palms is one of Hawaii's most renowned classic resorts. Owner Grace Guslander pioneered romantic traditions that have become de rigueur in the local hospitality industry, such as the torch-lighting ceremony. The site's historical significance predates the resort, though. It was long a favorite center for Hawaiian monarchy; High Chief Deborah Kapule lived there in the mid-1800s, and cultivated fishponds in the area. What threatens it? Hurricane Iniki hit the resort hard in 1992, and the Coco Palms has been shuttered ever since. Not for lack of interest in reopening it. As Kauai historian Pat Griffin says, "There is general agreement that it is an enormously important cultural and historical site, and should be protected." But no one has yet been able to make the numbers work. What can be done? There are a couple of ideas afloat, but both of them require money that hasn't materialized yet.The property's current owner, Phillip Ross, of Coco Palms Ventures LLC, based in Annapolis, Md., says he's working to re-open the Coco Palms [...]

Photos: Courtesy of The State Historic Preservation Division Article Written By: Michael Keany, HONOLULU Magazine What is it? This two-story, six bedroom mansion was built in 1913 as a manager’s house for the Grove Farm sugar plantation on Kaua‘i. With a driveway lined by royal palms and a large porte cochere to greet visitors, the home was once an impressive sight. Grove Farm founder George Wilcox’s nephew Charles was its first resident, and it later housed a succession of plantation managers. The plantation ceased sugar operations in 1974, however, and the house has not been occupied for many years. What threatens it? Neglect, for the most part. The house sits vacant and cordoned off, and exposure is taking its toll. The roof of the porte cochere has collapsed, and the house still suffers from the damages it incurred 15 years ago during Hurricane ‘Iniki. Some community members also fear that the manager’s house could be slated for replacement. America Online co-founder Steve Case bought the plantation- turned-land-development-company in 2000, and is planning a subdivision on the land surrounding the house. Robert Schleck, director of the Grove Farm Homestead Museum, says he’d hate to see the manager’s house go. “There are a lot of developments along Nawiliwili Road, and so that property affords a kind of open space, instead of hollow- tile walls and the closed-in feeling you get otherwise,” he says. What can be done? Grove Farm’s development plans for the area are still pending approval from various government agencies. In the meantime, it has no definite plans to restore the manager’s house. In an official response, the company states, “While Grove Farm is interested in retaining the original ambience of the manager’s house … [...]

Photos: Courtesy of David and Sue Boynton Article Written By: Michael Keany, HONOLULU Magazine What is it? Amazingly, this two-story coral limestone house in Waimea, Kaua‘i, has been in almost continuous use as a residential home since missionary Peter Gulick built it more than 178 years ago. “It’s got all this wonderful history spanning from the missionary times through to the sugar era,” says Linda Faye Collins, president of the Kikiaola Land Co., an offshoot of the original Waimea Sugar Mill Co., which has long owned the property. The house became a home for the sugar company’s plantation managers, and, at one point, its basement even served as the town jailhouse. Today the Gulick-Rowell House is prized by historic-minded community members and architects as an irreplaceable example of traditional New England architecture in Hawai‘i. What threatens it? The litany of woes you’d expect from a house nearing its bicentennial—sagging wood floors, water damage, cracks in the foundation, to name a few. A 1997 inspection estimated the cost of renovation at $1.2 million, a figure that can only have grown since then. The situation has taken on a new urgency this year: The two sisters who have lived in the house their entire lives are moving out. Architect Bob Fox, who helped inspect the building, says vandalism and environmental wear and tear now pose increased threats to the newly empty home. “Once a house is unoccupied, it’s amazing how quickly it deteriorates. I don’t know what it is, but it seems like the whole building gives up and just rots away,” he says. What can be done? Kikiaola Land Co. is looking to create a nonprofit organization to raise funds for repair and renovation. Possible solutions [...]

UPDATE: SAVED IN 2013 The rebuilt canopy at the end of Hanalei Pier recently reopened after a reconstruction project was completed by the Rotary Club of Hanalei Bay. Prior to the reconstruction effort, which began in March and concluded in May, the canopy suffered from dry rot and cracked beams, holes in the roof and broken support struts. The State Department of Land & Natural Resources, Kaua’i Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation planned to demolish the structure, prompting HHF to declare it an Endangered Historic Place. The Rotary Club of Hanalei Bay established a “Save the Pier” project involving the community, the State of Hawai‘i, and the County of Kaua‘i to preserve the historic and community landmark. Members worked with the state’s Department of Land and Natural Resources on reconstruction plans while raising money to restore what has become a symbol of Hanalei Bay. Rotary Club raised more than $188,000 to rebuild and provide upkeep to the community icon. Originally constructed of wood, the Hanalei Pier has been in existence since 1892. In the early 20th century, the pier was a major hub for the transportation of rice, sugar and various goods between the other Hawaiian Islands and the rest of the world via the Pacific Ocean. It became a recreational resource in the last 80 years when shipping halted and is a popular venue for fishing, picnics and filming. LISTED AS ENDANGERED IN 2012 Article Written By: Kathryn Drury Wagner What is it? Originally built for rice transportation, this picturesque pier is now valued for recreational use. “It’s a historic part of Hanelei and it’s important to the community for fishing and picnicking,” says Barbara Robeson, a longtime resident and a consultant on preservation [...]

UPDATE: SAVED IN 2009 Kapaa Business Association partnered with volunteers from Leadership Kauai and the Kauai Historical Society to restore Kapaa's historic Japanese Stone Lantern in Kapaa Beach Park. The project won a 2009 American Association for State and Local History Award of Merit. LISTED AS ENDANGERED IN 2005 Article Written By: A. Kam Napier, HONOLULU Magazine What is it? This 15-foot cast concrete lantern was built in 1915 by Kauai's Japanese community to commemorate the Russo-Japanese War of 1905 and to honor the 1912 ascension to the throne of Emperor Taisho. By World War II, however, these pro-imperial sentiments were a problem for a later generation of Japanese- Americans who, in 1943, literally buried the lantern, both to protect it from vandalism during a time of anti-Japanese sentiment and as a display of pro-American loyalty. Once buried, it was forgotten until 1972, when the parents of children playing soccer at Kapaa Beach Park complained about a dangerous piece of steel rebar sticking out of the ground. Work crews discovered that the rebar was attached to a buried monument-- but one that no one wanted to claim. The lantern was reburied 24 hours later. In 1987, Mayor Tony Kunimura led an effort to unearth the lanterns, with the help of the Kauai Historical Society. The lantern was moved to the corner of the beach park and braced. What threatens it? Exposure to the elements threatens the monument. Being buried and dug up, twice, damaged the lantern. Now even the metal braces on the lantern are rusting and damaging the concrete. "There are several serious cracks and breaks in the concrete structure... and in many places the concrete is broken or crumbling away," reports Mary Requilman, [...]

UPDATE: 2018 – Reconstruction Underway The Kapaia Foundation’s March Newsletter shared an inspiring update on the status of Kapaia Swinging Bridge’s reconstruction! "HD Construction, with the guidance of architect Ron Agor, has been busy working on rebuilding the Kapaia Swinging Bridge since last September. Contractor Harry Duronslet and his team are following the 1948 plan, using as much of the existing material as possible. The finished structure will look like the original but will last longer because it is being built stronger. If all goes as planned, the bridge rebuild project should be completed before May 2018." UPDATE: 2017 – SAVED After more than a decade of neglect, Kapaia Swinging Bridge is on its way to being restored. In March of 2017, Kaua’i County transferred appropriated funds and ownership of the bridge to Kapaia Foundation. Kapaia Foundation, formed in 2006 to seek protection of the bridge, was awarded a $231,000 grant to cover supplies and equipment to restore the bridge.  Kapaia Foundation is galvanizing the community for the additional support and services needed.   Photos: courtesy of Kicka Witte; Kapaia Foundation “Maintenance neglect and resistance from county leaders created the dilemma we have struggled with for the past five years.” – Laraine Moriguchi UPDATE: 2012 – CONTINUED THREAT Article Written By: Kathryn Drury Wagner In last year’s “Most Endangered Places,” we covered the Kapaia Swinging Bridge, a wooden suspension bridge constructed in 1948. A vestige of the plantation culture in the Islands, in 2006, It was deemed unsafe and closed by the county. Things had been looking up: the county was planning to restore the bridge’s two towers, and a community group, Save Kapaia Swinging Bridge, was raising the funds for the rest of the renovation. [...]

Photos: Courtesy of David Cornwell UPDATE: 2012 Hui o Laka renovated the historic and formerly abandoned Civilian Conservation Corps Complex (CCC Complex), both buildings and grounds, into a fully functioning volunteer service facility, in keeping with the original use in 1938. Constructed in 1935, as part of President Roosevelt’s national program “to provide work and job training for young men in conserving and developing the nation’s natural resources,” the  CCC Complex site accommodated many groups and programs over the years. This renovation is critical to protect and preserve a  complex of buildings that once served a national purpose, and stands as a landmark for the commitment of generations of people who have volunteered and dedicated themselves to community service in order to nurture Kōke‘e's native forest, and to educate visitor and kama‘āina alike. Hui o Laka received a Preservation Honor Award at Historic Hawai‘i Foundation’s 2012 Preservation Honor Awards Ceremony for the restoration of the Civilian Conservation Corps Camp Complex. UPDATE: SAVED IN 2011 According to Holly McEldowney of State Parks, auctions for leases on the last sixteen residences have been completed. Approval has been given for Mason Architects, Inc. to finish historic preservation design standards for the site. LISTED AS ENDANGERED IN 2006 Article Written By: Michael Keany, HONOLULU Magazine What is it? Ahh, Koke‘e, an idyllic 4,345 acres of mountainous Kaua‘i state park. It’s also home to 114 secluded recreational cabins—92 of them more than 50 years old—which have been caught in the middle of a preservation battle. The 20-year leases on the rustic cabins are set to expire at the end of this year, and the state plans to put them up for open auction, sparking heated protests from the current lessees, who [...]