Welcome to Lahaina Restoration Foundation

Sun Yat-sen Statue Donated to Wo Hing Museum
Dedication to Take place August 25, 2012

The Lahaina Restoration Foundation and Wo Hing Society invite the public to the dedication & unveiling ceremony of a statue of Dr. Sun Yat-sen on Saturday, August 25 from 10:30 - 12:30 pm. The statue was recently installed in the front courtyard of the Wo Hing Museum, located at 858 Front Street, Lahaina.

Dr. Lily Sui-fong Sun, granddaughter of Dr. Sun Yat-sen and President of The Sun Yat-sen Foundation for Peace and Education, donated the statue to the Wo Hing Society. The Maui Chinese Cultural Society provided funds to cover shipping costs from the People's Repulbic of China and Lahaina Restoration Foundation donated labor to install the statue. The monument will enhance the historical, cultural, and educational value of the Wo Hing Museum while honoring Maui’s Chinese community whose significant support contributed to Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s success in the Chinese revolution.

Dr. Sun Yat-sen, known as the Father of Modern China, was a Chinese revolutionist and a western medical doctor who began his education in Hawaii. From 1879 to 1910 he made six trips to Hawaii and spent more than seven years in the islands preparing for the 1911 Chinese revolution which led to the overthrow of China’s Manchu Qing Dynasty. Dr. Sun was then elected as the first provisional president of the Republic of China. His brother Sun Mei, a silent hero behind the revolution, operated a large cattle ranch in Kamaole, Maui and he, as well as many Chinese on Maui, provided crucial financial support for the revolution.

The Wo Hing Society in Lahaina, established in the early 1900s, was a center for the Chinese community of West Maui. Since 1984, The Lahaina Restoration Foundation has had a long-term agreement with the Wo Hing Society to restore the buildings and operate the Wo Hing Temple as a museum.

The dedication ceremony will include a blessing, key note speech by Dr. Lily Sui- fong Sun, and an offering ceremony where the public can adorn the statue with flowers and leis. A film documenting the history of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, educational exhibits, and entertainment will be featured. Refreshments will be served.

For more information, please contact the Lahaina Restoration Foundation’s office at 661-3262.

American Planning Association Designates Front Street
One of Top 10 Great Streets for 2011
Recognized for Historic Heritage, Revitalization, Varied Uses, Scenic Views

Mayor Alan Arakawa, Theo Morrison, David Allaire, Paul Luersen

Lahaina, HI - The American Planning Association (APA) today announced the designation of Front Street as one of 10 Great Streets for 2011 under the organization’s Great Places in America program. APA Great Places exemplify exceptional character and highlight the role planners and planning play in creating communities of lasting value.

APA singled out Front Street for its history, amenities, revitalization efforts, and continuous use by multiple generations for a variety of purposes. Its postcard-picture views and mild climate attract tourists and residents to Front Street virtually round the clock.

“The planning success of Front Street is due to years of effective partnerships between non-profit organizations, government leaders and countless community members. With everyone striving to balance Front Street’s historical, cultural and commercial needs we will ensure that this special seaside treasure lives on,” said Maui County Council Member Elle Cochran.

Through Great Places in America, APA recognizes unique and authentic characteristics found in three essential components of all communities – streets, neighborhoods, and public spaces. APA Great Places offer better choices for where and how people work and live every day and are defined by many things including planning efforts, architectural styles, accessibility, and community involvement.

“Natural beauty, history, and community pride have coalesced to create a place that is special – in different ways – to each individual who traverses Front Street’s wide and unique sidewalks,” said APA Chief Executive Officer Paul Farmer, FAICP. “Nearly five decades of preservation and revitalization efforts have uncovered and saved more than 1,300 years of culture and heritage. From its start as the home of Native Hawaiian royalty to its days as a whaling outpost and missionary stronghold, and later a plantation town, to its current status as a tourist attraction, Front Street has embraced its history while accommodating more contemporary uses,” he added. >>> click here for more