For the benefit of both our residents and visitors, and in cooperation with others we strive to faithfully restore, maintain and interpret the physical, historical, and cultural legacy of Lahaina, Maui, first capital of the Kingdom of Hawaii.
Ariticle in the MAUI SCENE Thursday, May 28th, 2009
The team at Lahaina Restoration Foundation reported sell-out crowds at its first Progressive Dinner Party last Friday and Saturday. Touted as a chance to step back in time, there were definitely moments on Friday night when I thought we had done just that. One such moment was walking through the darkness up the front path of the Baldwin Home, where the candles were lit and the Rev. Dr. Dwight and Mrs. Charlotte Baldwin (Mark LeDoux and Louisa Shelton) stepped out of the shadows to greet us, along with their sweet younger daughters Emily and Harriet (Sophia Fredy and Jessica Vernoy) and nursemaid Kealoha (Tara Lynn Kahaialii).
Other theatrical highlights of the four-site historical dinner included actor Tom Althouse shouting down from the lanai of the Pioneer Inn as Captain Isaac Freemont; the children of Sacred Hearts School Honors Choir reciting charming poetry under the tutelage of Miss Belinda Higgins (Lori Ulman); and the Free Church of Tonga Choir performing in beautiful native dress at Hale Aloha. Compiled through hours of research and planning, the script by Katherine Keahi Cloutier and costumes by Sharon Fredy combined for a magical evening - and a vibrant remider of Lahaina's rich and important hsitory. Proceeds from the dinner will be used for the Lahainaluna High School Scholarship Fund.
The Lahaina Restoration Foundation's 46th Annual Meeting
April 18th, 2009
A sellout crowd attended the 46th Annual Meeting of the Lahaina Restoration Foundation on Saturday, April 18th at the Pioneer Inn. The Board ratified its new slate of officers: David Allaire – President, Ron LaClergue – Vice President, Edward Baldwin – Treasurer, Louisa Shelton – Secretary. In addition, they voted to accept the nomination of Bill Countryman and Kiope Raymond to the board, and the nomination of Michael Moore, Louisa Shelton, Donna Soares, Connie Sutherland and Penny Wakida to additional 5 year terms.
Scholarship Committee Chairperson Penny Wakida noted that “the future of Lahaina is looking brighter and brighter because of our youth” and announced The Foundation’s 2009 Lahainaluna High School scholarship recipients.
$1,000 - Senior winner attending a 2 year school - Ty Carter $2,000 – Senior winners attending a 4 year college - Tiare Bermudez, Kelsey Fortey, Princess Karen Galano, Roxanne Grantham,Elizabeth Lagbas,Anacleta Magalianes, Saumalu Mataafa,Jacqueline Michelle Owens, Oriahna Pualani Fernandez Platt, Katherine Tadeo, MoanalaniTuipulotu, and William Weatherwax $2,000 – Alumni winners: Tara Ledbetter, Marrissa Morris, CordMunoz, Kiana Nip, and Angela Vasquez
The top award of $5,000 went to graduating senior Hailey Gill who read her essay at the meeting. The scholarship awards were based on an essay on importance of preserving the history and culture of West Maui.
The Foundation presented a check for $10,000 to Hui O Wa’a Kaulua for the last phase of construction for the sailing canoe Mo’okiha which will be docked at the former Carthaginian slip in Lahaina Harbor. The Foundation’s donation completes Hui O Wa’a Kaulua’s successful fundraising drive which raised over $100,000 dollars from a variety of sources.
Keoki Freeland, outgoing executive director, spoke about his 13 years at the helm in “A Foundation Reflection” and new executive director, Theo Morrison gave an update on the work of The Foundation over the past year.
A hilarious interruption by some impaired seamen, a whaling captain and a “lady of the night” was a scene from The Foundation’s first ever Progressive Dinner through Lahaina’s historic sites. .
Ringing In The New Year
Hale Aloha Bell Ringing Celebration
February 11th, 2009
With our building approaching two centries of extraordinary history, "Hale Aloha" embraced the arrival of a brand new bell completing the look and function of its prominent bell tower.
On the evening of Wednesday, February 11th, 2009, festivities commenced with live music and ono-licious appetizers and drinks provided by "Cater 2 U" catering. Distinguished citizens of the community, board members, and historians alike joined in commemorating this remarkable event as Jim Luckey (Executive Director Emeritus) and David Allaire (President of LRF) shared stories of old and reminisced of Hale Aloha.
Kahu Earl Kukahiko offered a wonderful pule (prayer) blessing the bell and it's new home, which was then followed with the official ringing of the bell by Terry Morgan (LRF Operations Manager).As its
glorious sound filled the air, tears ran down the faces of those who have unwearyingly anticipated this moment. It was an awesome tribute to a landmark that has given so much to Lahaina's history and continues to be a vital part of its essence. Theo Morrison (LRF Executive Director) concluded the evening by sharing upcoming events and an invitation to partake in LRF's movement to educate the world of our rich history while securing a prosperous future.
ing canoe Mo’okiha which will be docked at the former Carthaginian slip in Lahaina Harbor. The Foundation’s donation completes Hui O Wa’a Kaulua’s successful fundraising drive which raised over $100,000 dollars from a variety of sources.