Preservation of historic sites honored

Historic preservation work seeks to more than just serve the human need for nostalgia: Its aim is to keep history alive.

As such, the Historic Hawai‘i Foundation on Friday recognized local companies involved in just such work around the state.

Glenn Mason, president of Mason Architects Inc., was honored with the Frank Haines Award for historic preservation, which recognizes lifetime achievement, dedication and devotion to the field.

Mason has undertaken numerous proj­ects on iconic Hawaii sites including the Hawaiian Hall at Bishop Museum, Kau­maka­pili Church, Iolani Palace and grounds, Luna­lilo Tomb, Huli­hee Palace in Kailua-Kona and Davies Hall at St. Andrew’s Cathedral.

Numerous Hawaii companies were recognized for their historic preservation work. Some awards were presented to multiple honorees.

Among the 34 awards:

» Bishop Museum’s Pacific Hall Restoration sought to restore Pau­ahi Hall and Polynesian Hall, which has been renamed Pacific Hall. Firms honored include Mason Architects Inc., Bernice Pau­ahi Bishop Museum, Ralph Applebaum & Associates, and Constructors Hawaii.

» Restoration of the Ha‘ena State Park Lo‘i, or kalo (taro) patch, was done primarily by hand by members and supporters of the park. Honorees include Hui Maka­‘ainana o Makana, the Kauai Division of State Parks, Lima­huli Garden and Preserve, and National Tropical Botanical Garden.

» Several firms were honored for rehabilitation work on the historic IBM Building, designed by famed architect Vladi­mir Ossi­poff, including Howard Hughes Corp., Woods Bagot, J. Kado­waki Inc., Albert C. Koba­ya­shi Inc., Nate Smith Studio, Surface Design Inc., Helber Hastert & Fee Planners Inc., WSP Hawaii Inc., Wilson Oka­moto Corp. and Ferraro Choi and Associates Ltd.

» Members and volunteers of the Hawaiian Railway Society were honored for two proj­ects, which restored Locomotive 65-00174 to operation and regular service, as well as for restoration of the Sheffield Car.

» The book "Japa­nese Buddhist Temples in Hawaii: An Illustrated Guide." The historical rec­ord of temples was authored by honorees George Tanabe and Willa Jane Ta­nabe, published by University of Hawaii Press.

» Robert Fox, David Cheever and the Hono­lulu Star-Advertiser were honored for the monthly "Keep Hawaii Hawaii" column, which stresses the importance of preservation through its focus on historic buildings.

The awards were presented Friday night at the Pomai­kai Ballrooms at Dole Cannery in Iwi­lei.