WAIMEWA — Historic Hawaii Foundation, in partnership with the National Park Service, will offer free seminars across Kauai and Hawaii on state preservation projects.
The Kauai seminars are 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, June 17, at Waimea Neighborhood Center, and Tuesday, June 18 at Kauai Community College.
“We are harnessing the expertise and experience of our local communities at our annual preservation seminars this June,” said Kiersten Faulkner, executive director of Historic Hawaii Foundation.
“Each seminar will share three, successful, island-specific preservation projects. Project leaders and stewards will present an overview of their projects, including their initial goals, desired outcome, lessons learned and advice for others doing a similar project,” she said.
Tommy Noyes of Kauai Path will present the Puna Moku Coastal Trail Heritage Signage project, with a focus on the role of interpretation and navigating the permitting process.
The project features a series of interpretive signs along Kauai’s eastside coastal path designed and constructed to educate and advocate for protection of the archaeological, cultural, historic and environmental heritage along the route. In total, more than two dozen interpretive signs have been located along a 17-mile route between Nawiliwili and Anahola.
Victoria Wichman of the state Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of State Parks on Kauai, and Emily Cadiz and Presley Wann of Maka‘ainana o Makana, will present the Ha‘ena State Park Lo‘i Kalo project, with a focus on traditional practices and community partnerships.
Restoration of the lo‘i kalo traditions in Ha‘ena State Park is done primarily by hand through the work of members and supporters.
Prior to restoration work, archaeological excavations and mapping were completed. The process of clearing overgrowth included cutting and digging out invasive grasses from within the lo‘i and on the raised-soil berms between the various lo‘i, and removing invasive trees.
Once lo‘i are cleared, the soil is manually tilled, water flow is restored, and the space is replanted with different varieties of kalo (taro).
Chris Faye of Hui o Laka will present the window and door rehabilitation and repainting project at the Civilian Conservation Corps Camp at Koke‘e State Park, with a focus on the rehabilitation process and finding skilled craftsmen.
