This month we received a copy of the “Hawai`i State Historic Preservation Plan-October 2012-October 2017.” While our organization was not involved in the planning process, we believe the plan supports our mission and reinforces why we should have State support. Here are quotes from relevant sections of the plan:
Executive Summary- “The purpose of this Hawai`i Historic Preservation Plan is to guide efforts to preserve and protect the valuable historic properties and cultural sites located in the State of Hawai`i. The plan establishes goals and objectives that the community has determined to be important for historic preservation.”
Goal 1-“Increase awareness, understanding and support for historic preservation throughout the State.”
Guiding Principles-“i) Historic Preservation benefits everyone. ii) Historic Preservation requires action by everyone. iv) The historic and cultural sites of Hawai`i encompass every aspect of the State, including its people, events, and places. We embrace the multi-cultural richness of our people and respect their unique histories.”
Hawai`i Communities Benefit From Historic Preservation-“The history of a community contributes to its personality. Preserving the history of a place through its significant historic resources gives a community its unique character. Historic preservation provides a link to the roots of the community and its people, often referred to as ‘sense of place.’ Overall historic preservation enhances quality of life, and strengthens community foundations, resulting in more livable communities. Historic preservation is much more than simply saving and restoring old buildings and sites of historic importance; there are economic, cultural, environmental, and educational benefits of historic preservation, all of which are inextricably connected to one another and to the living memory of involved communities.”
How could we say it any better? We must preserve Hawai`i’s only representative of the glorious sailing era—our National Historic Landmark Falls of Clyde. We need grassroots advocates who can make the case as clearly stated in the State plan quoted here.