DLNR HISTORIC SITES CALENDAR 1985
The towns and cities of Hawai`i form a nucleus around which much of our daily lives revolve. The heart of communal activity, these streetscapes can easily be taken for granted. However, Hawai`i's long-established "Main Streets" are special places distinct unto themselves and our islands, and as such they stand in marked contrast to much of the development of the past 25 years.Whether towns were started as a result of harbor activities, as was the case with Lahaina and Honolulu, or as sugar plantation towns, like Hawi or Honoka`a, or as centers for cattle ranching such as Makawao, most all have a commercial core of buildings that date from the first 30 years of this century. Simple one-or-two story wooden structures, with their ubiquitous canopies that shade the sidewalks and protect pedestrians from showers, give a cohesiveness and charm to Hawai`i's older business districts. Many buildings display false fronts, an architectural feature which in most mainland locales vanished with the frontier. Some structures borrow forms, such as overhanging second-story verandas, from the urban centers of the Orient, while other, more pretentious, "up-to-date and modern" establishments employ masonry material.
Frequently, the most imposing building on the street is the theater, that one-time center for evening entertainment. Churches, various fraternal and ethnic society halls, banks gasoline stations, and mercantile outlets join with the theaters to serve as a magnet for commercial, social and communal life. Providing a substantial backdrop for day-to-day living, these buildings define the arena that is "Main Street," the place where festive events and celebrations of local and national holidays traditionally have transpired.
Some towns such as Lahaina, have moved into modern bustle associated with Hawai`i's visitor industry, but others, unfortunately, have had to struggle to survive. Recognizing the possible jeopardy these important streetscapes face, a task force came together to consider the problem. Chaired by the State Historic Preservation Officer and composed of people representing various communities across the State, the County governments, the State government and such nonprofit organization as Historic Hawai`i Foundation, this group recommended that Hawai`i sponsor a Main Street program. It is anticipated that this self-help program will get under way during 1985.
The Main Street program stresses a comprehensive strategy that combines progressive marketing and management techniques with the rehabilitation of historic downtown areas. Capitalizing on the sense of history to be found in our towns, this public/private partnership emphasizes low cost, incremental improvements to all aspects of downtown life.
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