Updated at 3:06 p.m., Saturday, November 24, 2007
Endangered buildings list released
Advertiser Staff
The Queen's Medical Center library, the Grove Farm manager's house and the Bond Homestead are among the nine most endangered historic sites in the state.
The annual list is compiled by the Historic Hawai'i Foundation.
"The broad cross-section of sites reminds us that everyone's history matters," said Historic Hawai'i Foundation Executive Director Kiersten Faulkner.
"Large and small, all of these places contribute to our understanding of the past and the contributions that they still make today. They connect us tangibly to the unique traits and distinctive features of communities on all the islands."
The list includes two sites on the Big Island, two on O'ahu, one on Moloka'i and four on Kaua'i. The endangered historic sites are:
The Queen's Medical Center Hawai'i Medical Library, which was designed by renowned architect Vladimir Ossipoff. According to Historic Hawai'i, the hospital is looking to provide additional parking on its campus. If it cannot reach an agreement with the Board of Water Supply to purchase land or do a joint development on the adjacent parking lot, the library is at risk.
Kalahikiola Congregational Church, in Kohala, was built in 1855. The church was damaged in the October 2006 earthquake. Though congregation members are committed to the repair of the church, they lack funding.
Bond Homestead, also in Kohala, is the oldest wooden structure in the community and was built in 1840. It also suffered earthquake damage. The property owner has no plans to demolish the buildings, but also has no plan to repair them.
Kalaniana'ole Hall, on Moloka'i, is a community center built in 1937 and damaged by years of neglect and disrepair. The Moloka'i Enterprise Community has plans to restore the building and has received a grant from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs to begin work on the most critical repairs. However, more funding is needed.
Kekaha Sugar Mill, in Kekaha, Kaua'i, is a 1954 upgrade to the 1898 Kekaha Sugar Company, which ceased operations in 2000. It stands empty as the new property owner evaluates options. The Kaua'i West Side Watershed Council would like to see the mill become a community focal point that contributes to the economic vitality of the area.
Grove Farm Manager's House, in Lihu'e, was built for the manager of the Grove Farm sugar plantation in 1913. The Kaua'i structure suffers from neglect and stands vacant as the property owner determines a long-range plan for the area.
Koloa Jodo Mission, in Koloa, Kaua'i, is one of the first Japanese shrines on the island. It was built in 1909. The congregation struggles with the cost of upkeep, as well as the need for skilled carpenters to do the work.
The Wainiha Stream Bridges, in Hanalei, are on both the Hawai'i and National Registers of Historic Places. The Department of Transportation moved up scheduled replacement of the bridges, built in 1957, after discovering structural damage in early November. The temporary replacements are prefabricated modular steel bridges.
The Austin and Pantheon buildings contribute to the Chinatown National Historic District and the ambience of Nu'uanu Avenue. But the adjacent Hawai'i Theatre needs room to expand its stage and reinvest in its facility, which may result in demolition of the smaller buildings.
