HONOLULU — Two programs and projects taken on by the state Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of State Parks on Kaua‘i were recognized with Preservation Honor Awards by the Historic Hawai‘i Foundation Friday during the 47th annual Preservation Honor Awards.
The awards were announced virtually.
The Ha‘ena State Park Master Plan was recognized with a programmatic award to the Division of State Parks and its partners, according to a DLNR release. The community-based plan prioritized the protection, rehabilitation and restoration of the park’s archaeological, cultural and natural resources.
Since the start of the plan in mid-2019 following historical flooding closed the park and the adjacent Napali Coast State Wilderness Park, community and cultural advisory groups were given responsibility to help oversee park access and its significant resources.
“Historic sites and features are often overshadowed by the picturesque landscapes and lush vegetation in Hawai‘i’s parks and forests, but they are critically important to protect and preserve as tangible connections to the past,” said State Parks Assistant Administrator Alan Carpenter.
Within Ha‘ena State Park, the restoration of the
Allerton caretaker’s cottage and Montgomery house were both recognized by the HHF with project awards. Prior to being restored, both historic structures were in danger of falling down, and were restored as integral components of the implementation of the master plan.
The Allerton caretaker’s cottage was restored for use by park rangers and for cultural practitioners at the Ka-ulu-o-Paoa heiau, and Ke-Ahu-a-Laka hula platform. The Montgomery house was restored for multiple purposes, including educational programs, use by park staff, and by community volunteers who maintain the traditional lo‘i kalo at Ha‘ena.
The DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife and its partners received project recognition for new protection measures at the Kaniakapupu ruins on O‘ahu, states a release from the DLNR. The protection measures at Kaniakapupu ruins were implemented following several serious episodes of vandalism to Kamehameha III’s summer palace.
The project included installation of paths and signs, and the felling of large trees that were considered threats to the historical structures and the site.
“Kapu” signs were mounted near the Kaniakapupu entrance, indicating that it is a restricted site and access is only by permit.
“The honor awards showase many of the places that give the Hawaiian Islands its unique texture,” said HHF Executive Director Kiersten Falkner. “These achievements inspire and educate not only us today, but future generations as well. We are appreciative of the many people represented through these preservation awards.”
A total of 13 awards were given statewide.
