Historic architecture survey slated

LIHUE — Hawaii’s towns and landscapes are changing rapidly. The era of the sugar plantations is coming to a close. The once numerous crack seed, shave ice, and mom and pop stores on small town streets are giving way to big box stores, along with one-lane bridges that were crossed with patience and a “shaka” to other drivers.

These old-time buildings, structures and places distinguish our unique Hawaii identity, and can provide glimpses into our past that can continue to influence the future landscape of Hawaii.

In an effort to identify and document these remaining places, the State Historic Preservation Division will be surveying residential neighborhoods on Kauai, Maui and Hawaii islands, starting this month.

Staff will be on Kauai Feb. 16 to 18 and visit Hanalei, Kapaa, Lihue and Hanapepe.

The purpose of the surveys is to record what still exists and provide written histories for each area. These surveys will give communities an opportunity to share their stories and explain why a place is important. These stories can then inspire future generations to be as passionate about their history as were those who came before them.

The surveys are funded by the Legislature. In 2015, it appropriated $200,000 for the next two years. Surveys will provide communities with historic contexts and documentation of the historic architecture of the islands. Field work is anticipated to be completed by May.

Each survey will consist of two parts: first, a team of architectural historians and interns will walk the neighborhoods and photograph specific features of each building; second, a team of architectural historians will do archival research and interviews to create historic contexts for each survey area.

“The results of the survey and its associated historic contexts will be made public,” a press release said. “The purpose of the surveys is to document buildings, and serve as a starting place for communities interested in exploring their history.”