Plaque is stolen again from Maui monument

A commemorative plaque from a stone monument recognizing the immigration of Scandinavians to Hawaii has been stolen for a second time.

The monument, located on a bluff at Maui’s McGregor Point, commemorates the first and only major immigration of Scandinavians as sugar plantation laborers during the days when Hawaii was a kingdom. In 1881, two shiploads including 500 Norwegians, about 30 Swedes and a few Danes arrived in Hawaii.

The first ship, the Beta, landed on Maui on Feb. 14. It was followed by the Bark Musca, which sailed into Honolulu Harbor on May 13.

"I hope the governor, the mayor of Maui County and others take some appropriate action, restoring this historic marker," said Keith Haugen, who served as chairman of the Hawaii State Scandinavian Centennial Commission.

Haugen said the first act of vandalism happened about three decades ago, after the 100th anniversary commemoration. At that time, a number of Hawaii residents of Norwegian heritage helped to replace it.

"Now, vandals once again have damaged this monument, stealing the plaque," he said. "I’m appalled. I fail to understand what the vandals hope to achieve by this criminal act."

Haugen said it’s unclear when the plaque was stolen.

During the early 1880s, when the population of Native Hawaiians was decimated by disease, Hawaii sugar planters turned to other countries for laborers. But bringing in Scandinavians proved unsuccessful, partly due to difficulties the workers experienced in adjusting to the hot climate. Also, plantations were looking for farm laborers, but many of the Scandinavians wereartisans and craftsmen, researchers say.

For information about how to help restore the monument’s plaque, contact Haugen at hakumele@aol.com.