In Hawaii, we often hear “we’re losing our sense of place,” and leave it at that. But what if we could act together to preserve the special stories and places that make Hawaii unique? In fact, it starts with telling and retelling our stories.
Stories and places are connected. The more we share stories about our special places, the more likely they are to be preserved. Some of our stories in Hawaii are very well known, and, as a result, the places connected to them are shared, celebrated and well preserved.
For example, we have epic stories related to the Hawaiian monarchy and the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941. I would suggest that, because we elevate these stories and provide them a platform, the places related to them, ‘Iolani Palace and the World War II Valor in the Pacific Monument, are protected and preserved.
But what about our other special, sacred or notable historic places such as ethnic neighborhoods, plantation villages, temples, monuments, buildings and other sites that define Hawaii’s distinct and intertwined histories? Who will tell their stories, and how can they be preserved for the future? You can. By sharing stories of places you know you can help identify new narratives and start them on the path toward protection.
As you look around, you’ll find many opportunities to share what’s important to you and your community. The Honolulu Star-Advertiser, for example, has a continuing feature, the Rear View Mirror, which tells stories about Hawaii’s fascinating past. Historic Hawaii Foundation identifies our “Most Endangered Places” to shine light on places and history that are at risk.
To help identify the stories and places that shape our communities, Historic Hawaii Foundation has organized a forum to provide a collective opportunity to tell the stories and celebrate the places that are special to Hawaii’s Asian-American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities. The forum — to be held on Jan. 26 and 27 at the East-West Center — will bring together community members, scholars, history buffs, students and others to jog our collective memories and shine light on the under-told stories of these communities that need to be remembered.
By telling these stories and honoring the heritage of these communities, the forum hopes to identify new sites that can move toward recognition as National Historic Landmarks or additions to the National Register of Historic Places. The forum is supported by a consortium of nonprofit, educational and governmental organizations to work collaboratively to identify and preserve places of historic significance (see www.aanhpi.historichawaii.org).
We can preserve what’s special about Hawaii and its rich tapestry of places. Let’s tell our stories and celebrate our heritage. It’s as simple as talking story.
Kiersten Faulkner is executive director of Historic Hawaii Foundation.
