The historic mansion, once home to the manager of Hawaii’s largest sugar plantation, has fallen into disrepair since its glory days in the 1920s. Initially an essential gathering spot in the plantation community and damaged during the 1941 Pearl Harbor attack, the house is now owned by the city and county of Honolulu but remains in ruins, with peeling paint, boarded windows, and a neglected garden.
Local advocates, including community members and preservationists, express frustration over the city’s neglect, referring to the situation as “destruction by neglect.” They emphasize the urgent need for renovation to restore the home, with proposals to turn it into a museum or restaurant. Despite previous commitments to preserve the building, funding for maintenance has been lacking, and estimated renovation costs are high, ranging from $5 to $6 million.
The mansion is listed as an endangered property and holds historical significance as part of the “Western Sugar Farm Village.” There are ongoing discussions about leasing or selling the property to someone committed to its preservation. Community members stress the importance of finding a “champion” to ensure the building’s survival, as time is running out to save this piece of Hawaiian heritage.
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