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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Friday, May 11, 2007

MY COMMUNITIES
Ramble through Manoa's past

By Mary Vorsino
Advertiser Urban Honolulu Writer

Diane Stowell, left, and Helen Nakano have 1920s outfits to get into the spirit of the walk through Manoa's history they'll help guide this Sunday. Stowell owns this 1920s-era home that is on the tour.

DEBORAH BOOKER | The Honolulu Advertiser

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On Sunday, a stroll through Manoa will turn into a walk back in time.

More than 150 history buffs, architecture enthusiasts and those just interested in learning more about Hawai'i's past will participate in a two-hour, self-guided tour through the neighborhood.

They will get a map, chock full of historical facts, and the chance to walk through four historical homes in Manoa, where docents will be on hand for questions and explanations.

Some of those volunteers will be dressed in period 1920s attire — hats and all.

The 1 1/2-mile tour, sponsored by Malama o Manoa, has been held biannually for at least 15 years.

Helen Nakano, who helped start the tour, said most of its participants are residents who love learning more about their community.

But others just want to see old Manoa before it's lost to new construction.

"The homes are rapidly being torn down," Nakano said. "A lot of the owners, when they buy these historic homes, say it's too much trouble to kill the termites and deal with the problems. They just tear it down."

The tour costs $25, and registration is set for 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Sunday. Tours will be held through noon.

Though the tours are self-guided, signs will be posted in Manoa to help participants on their way and point out key historical landmarks. There will also be volunteers along the way to point out the path.

The money from the tour will go to helping Malama operate.

Scott Wilson, Malama's president, said the tour is meant to raise awareness of the cultural and historic significance of Manoa and its buildings. "We want to always raise the awareness of the beauty and the joy of older homes," he said. "The homes that were built in the '20s, '30s and '40s have fabulous details."

Wilson, an architect, said it has been difficult to convince people to open up their homes as part of the tour.

But, he said, the home walk-throughs are vital to showing people how antique homes can be updated into modern, comfortable residences, with new bathrooms, kitchens and other remodeling.

Part of Malama's mission is to preserve the historic character of Manoa, while ensuring it remains a changing urban community.

"We're not suggesting these homes have to be completely historically accurate," Wilson said. "We just think that compared to building a modern-day box, isn't it wonderful if you can save an older home?"

Reach Mary Vorsino at mvorsino@honoluluadvertiser.com.