Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 5, Number 12, 1 December 1988 — Pahukini Caretakers Get National Award [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Pahukini Caretakers Get National Award

Pahukini Heiau in Kailua, O'ahu, re-dedicated in January this year after a massive community voiunteer eleanup project in 1987, has been recognized in an award presented by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Pahukini is thought to be a 12th century heiau dedicated to the O'ahu chief Olopana. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972, although its condition eontinued to decline until the eleanup effort. The award was presented October 22 in

Cincinnati, Ohio to the five Hawai'i organizations that have shared in the restoration of the windward heiau and ongoing caretaker responsibilities. Receiving the award were: 01ga Sniffen, for the Lani-Kailua Business and Professional Women's Club, George Nu'uanu West, Kapaa quarry plant manager for Ameron HC&D, Phyllis G. Fox, president of Historic Hawaii Foundation and Ramona Mullahey, representing the Oahu Heritage Council. Mayor Frank Fasi, on behalf of the City and County of Honolulu, was unable to attend due to other duties. The award was one of 15 made to outstanding historic preservation projects in the nation. It is the second award made to a Hawai'i project since the National Trust for Historic Preservation (NTHP) initiated the honor in 1971. It is also the first award made to an archaeological site in Hawai'i. The award presentation was made by Robert Bass, chairman of the board of the Nahonal Trust for Historic Preservation, and Kathryn A. Burns, western regional director for NTHP. Burns said that Pahukini Heiau is considered "an exemplary model of community cooperation for the preservation of a cultural resource." Mullahey, who helped put together the award nominahon, said that the Pahukini caretakers are working on fundraising activities to further restoration efforts and landscaping around the heiau. She also is making arrangements to give a public slide show/video presentation on the restoration of Pahukini heiau to date and future plans.

Pahukini Heiau blessing and eleanup in 1987 with Reverend Abraham Akaka.