North Shore NewsOn Saturday, December 30th, 60 people attended the Hale‘iwa Waialua Historical Society’s ceremony dedicating new history signs at the Waialua Bandstand Park. One is on Ancient Waialua and the other about Waialua Town and the Sugar Plantation.
Kumu Hula Keith Awai, Board member, gave the welcome oli, Kahu Susan King of Liliuokalani Protestant Church, the pule, and Senator Gil Riviere, Board member, served as Master of Ceremonies.
Kathleen Pahinui, Board member, summarized the mission and activities of the Society and Kendra Martyn, President, Friends of Waialua Bandstand in the Park, spoke eloquently of the community’s renewed interest in revitalizing Waialua and its history.
Antya Miller, Society President, spoke of her journey from the average resident’s unawareness of Waialua’s history, to her now long-term dedication to making it known and available to everyone.
Boyd Ready, Lead Docent for the Historical Society, reminded everyone how different life was in the 1920s, and read a 1925 newspaper account of 3,000 people enjoying a ‘Smoker,’ a boxing match with band, hula, choir recital, comic interludes, and referees, organized by the U. S. Army’s 64th Artillery camp at Kawailoa Beach, and the Waialua Agricultural Company.
All attendees at the dedication were invited to a reception following, at the beautifully restored managers’ office in the Waialua Sugar Company’s office building on Kupahu St.
A special mahalo to volunteers Evelyn Kaneshige, Kendra Martyn and Friends of the Waialua Bandstand Park, Sharryl Matsumoto, Melissa & Phil Meek, Julie Patacchia, Julian Ready, Jake Riviere, Dave Robichaux, Alice Rogers, Rose Tsukada, Carol Ward, and the Directors. Thank you also for donations from Brown Bottle, North Shore Equipment Rentals, North Shore News, and Linnie Pascual from CM Matt Weyer’s office.
The signs’ histories were researched, written, and partially funded by the Society. Major funding was provided by the Hawaii Tourism Authority through the Community Enrichment Program, in association with the Oahu Visitors Bureau. The gift of the kiosk and signs was accepted for placement in the Waialua Bandstand Park by resolution of the Honolulu City Council on December 6, 2023.
For information: www.waialuahistoricalsociety or email info@waialuahistoricalsociety.org