honoluluadvertiser.com

Sponsored by:

Comment, blog & share photos

Log in | Become a member
The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Sunday, July 15, 2001

Pau Hana 'Ohana tries to restore landmark inn

By Matthew Adolpho, Robert Waipa Purdy and DeGray Vanderbilt
Members, Pau Hana 'Ohana Board of Directors

An old friend from Moloka'i could use your help, Hawai'i.

The future of the island's legendary Pau Hana Inn hangs in the balance.

This famous landmark property, which opened its doors in 1946, has served residents and visitors alike as an affordable, kama'aina hotel for over 50 years. As the island's central gathering place, Pau Hana has touched the lives of most everyone on Moloka'i at one time or another.

 •  Anyone wishing to learn more about this project should contact Pau Hana 'Ohana Community Foundation: by e-mail at pauhanamolokai@yahoo.com or by telephone at (808) 558-0228.
Pau Hana was suddenly closed shortly before Christmas in 1998.

Since the hotel's closure, the Pau Hana 'Ohana, a community nonprofit, has done a lot of groundwork trying to coordinate a dream the community has to see its historic inn preserved and reopened as the state's first hotel to be operated as a community-based economic development project.

The hotel could also serve as an educational center associated with the island's new community college.

A recent series of fortunate circumstances have given the community a small window of opportunity to make its dream come true. But some help is needed.

The challenge facing the community is to raise the money required to purchase Pau Hana by Aug. 15.

This could be the perfect opportunity for a public-spirited individual, hui or company wishing to give something back to these islands we all care for. Their kokua might preserve a true slice of "old Hawai'i" and keep it from becoming just another fond memory like the Tahitian Lanai or the Columbia Inn or other special places that meant so much to so many.

Not only does the community's vision aspire to preserve the traditions of Pau Hana, it also calls for all future profits to be reinvested back into the community to provide much needed supplemental funding for Molokai's youth, environmental, human services and educational programs.

For over two years, the 'Ohana and the community have labored to gain site control of Pau Hana. Their efforts were severely hampered when, after remaining closed for more than one year,

Pau Hana lost its grandfathered hotel-use status.

The 'Ohana rebounded, however, and 14 months ago it took the initiative with the Maui County Council to secure commercial "hotel district" zoning for the property. The zoning resolution is a key component to the community's quest to raise the money to reopen Pau Hana.

Once reopened, Pau Hana will operate as an affordable, kama-

'aina hotel under the guidance of a qualified hotel management team. Its reopening will restore 45 jobs, which represent 11.25 percent of the unemployed work force on Moloka'i.

The project's educational component will complement the hotel operations. Pau Hana's buildings and grounds will serve as an extended learning center associated with the island's new community college.

Pau Hana is part of Moloka'i's rich heritage. Its unique identity is highlighted by a century-old banyan tree that is the only "exceptional tree" on Moloka'i protected under state law. Pau Hana is a nostalgic experience of "local" Moloka'i, one that needs to be preserved so residents and visitors alike are able to enjoy this authentic icon of "old Hawai'i" for generations to come.

The 'Ohana has put together a strong consulting and development team of professionals from Hawai'i and the Mainland. Most are donating their time to advance this special project.

Time is of the essence, if the Aug.15 deadline is to be met.