The Kauai Historical Society is one organization that doesn’t get a lot of attention. It’s not often in the headlines. It’s not usually in the spotlight. But we’d like to change that. We want the nonprofit that celebrated its 100th
The Kauai Historical Society is one organization that doesn’t get a lot of attention. It’s not often in the headlines. It’s not usually in the spotlight.
But we’d like to change that. We want the nonprofit that celebrated its 100th anniversary this year to receive all the accolades and praise it deserves. Mostly, we want it to receive the financial support its well worthy of, too.
Here’s how we can help.
The Kauai Historical Society’s annual Pa‘ina is 5-9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1 at Smith’s Tropical Paradise. It will feature music by well-known slack key musician Cyril Pahinui, as well as musicians Peter Moon, Jr., and Jeff Au Hoy. There will be a buffet (and Smith’s dinner buffet is second to none) and silent auction with items including golf and hotel packages, jewelry, a collection of vinyl records recorded in Hawaii, and collectibles such as a plate with the image of the King himself, Elvis Presley. A item sure to be in demand will be two roundtrip airline tickets with Alaska Airlines. Of course, those attending can meander the stunning courses at Smith’s, too.
“The Smith’s setting adds another element,” said Donna Stewart, publicity coordinator. “Smith’s always does a great job.”
Smith’s has also pledged to donate $1 to the historical society for each drink sold that night. It’s clear, this will be a memorable evening of aloha that you won’t want to miss.
All that for $75. That’s a bargain and better yet, the proceeds support the historical society, which quietly goes about its business of archiving the island’s rare and precious documents, photographs, maps and books. It also has many other artifacts stored away because there is no room to display them in cozy office in the Historic County Building. Imagine what it could do with a few more dollars and a little more space. Amazing things.
The historical society prides itself on bringing history to life. Under the direction of executive director Mary Reqilman, the historical society has thrived in its mission to collect, preserve, and disseminate the oral, written and pictorial history of Kauai County. Its collection includes 12,000-plus photographs; 3,200 maps; plantation records; The Garden Island newspaper, 1911 to present; 25 cabinet drawers of subject files; 4,500 books; personal papers from local families and organizations; and the Guslander Coco Palms Museum collection. Stop by and chat with these folks. They’re friendly, informative and love visitors.
Tickets for annual Pa‘ina are available at Hanelei Music Strings and Things, Hawaiian Music Store in Princeville, Pictures Plus in Lihue, Talk Story Bookstore in Hanapepe and the Kauai Historical Society.
We would love to see this event sell out. We would love to see the historical society overwhelmed by community support. The work they are doing is not the stuff that will draw any stand ovations, but it should. We ask that if you can, please join us in making this one of the greatest nights in history for this small but hugely important organization not just in preserving the past and present, but guiding us into the future.
Info and tickets: 245-3373 or info@kauaihistoricalsociety.org
