Posted on: Tuesday, September 14, 2004

EDITORIAL
Daughters of Hawai'i: 100 years of good work

In the classic Joni Mitchell song "Big Yellow Taxi" (written here in Hawai'i, by the way), the lyrics make the poignant observation that "Don't it always seem to go that you don't know what you got till it's gone."

Mitchell's song makes reference to the natural beauties of the Islands, but she could just as easily have been talking about our historic heritage, the buildings, places and scenes that tell so much about our young state's history.

Fortunately, there are those who selflessly work to protect that heritage, not for themselves, but for the rest of us and for future generations.

One such group, profiled by staff writer Vicki Viotti, is the Daughters of Hawai'i.

Founded a century ago, the organization takes as its purpose the preservation and enhancement of Hawai'i's physical history.

The group is responsible for the maintenance and preservation of the Queen Emma Summer Palace in Nu'uanu, Hulihe'e Palace in Kona and other sites.

Without the dedicated work of these volunteers and their friends and associates, much of Hawai'i's valued history would be gone.

The Daughters deserve a hearty mahalo from the entire state as they celebrate their centennial this year.