Historic Hawaii Foundation: HHF

10/06/2026

Congratulations to Dr. William "Bill" Chapman of of Hawai'i Historic Preservation Graduate Certificate Program named the 2026 Richard T. Ely Distinguished Educator by Lambda Alpha International! Given for excellence in the academic study of land economics and related fields, the award honors Dr. Chapman's lifetime of work in historic preservation education.

Through more than 30 years of teaching and mentorship at UH Mānoa, he has inspired generations of architects, planners, and preservationists to see the past as vital to shaping the future, and many now steward Hawaiʻi's historic places.

Mahalo, Dr. Chapman, for your lasting contribution!

09/16/2026

Funding available for your preservation projects!

The National Trust Preservation Funds provide grants up to $5,000 in support of preservation planning and educational projects.

The next deadline for the National Trust Preservation Funds is October 1. Apply today at https://savingplaces.org/preservation-funds.

09/10/2026

Join DOCOMOMO Hawaii for their third doco photo tour to look at Erica Karawina’s stained glass projects on Saturday, September 19, 2026. The tour will venture to central Oahu and the North Shore.

Erica Karawina was the foremost stained glass artist working in Hawaii from the 1960s through the turn of the century. She broke with more traditional methods of making stained glass and created unique designs of faceted glass using the dalle de verre technique developed in France during the 1930s. The tour will look at four different ecclesiastical commissions executed by her using this technique, as well as a rose window she did for Liliuokalani Protestant Church.

10:00am: St. John Apostle and Evangelist Catholic Church | 95-370 Kuahelani Ave, Mililani
This Ossipoff designed church was built and dedicated in 1971. In addition to stained glass by Erica Karawina the church also includes art by Jean Charlot, Cecco Bonanotte, and the Demetz Art Studio in Italy.

10:45am: Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church | 1403 California Ave, Wahiawa
In this 1959 church we encounter Erica Karawina’s earliest window using the dalle de verre technique for stained glass. The window differs from her later works by being representational rather than abstract.

11:30am: Olive United Methodist Church | 108 California Ave, Wahiawa
With its upsweeping profile, we will see a pair of 34’ high windows executed by Erica Karawina in 1964.

12:30pm: Liliuokalani Protestant Church | 66-090 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa
The present church, which was designed by Ted Vierra and opened in 1961, is the fourth church building to be occupied by this 194 year old congregation. The interior of the church is graced by thirteen of Erica Karawina’s windows, including a rose window.
‍
Transportation is not provided and carpooling is suggested, as parking is limited at each site. Please be prompt and considerate as there are multiple events happening at the various campuses. Wait for representatives of Docomomo to show up before entering any of the buildings.

This event is free and open to the public. No RSVP required.
2h

08/27/2026

Historic Hawai'i Foundation is a contributing partner for PhotoCon Hawaii the state's premier photography conference, September 24–27 at Capitol Modern

HHF has curated three sessions spotlighting preservation through the lens:

🏛️ **Architectural Photography Workshop & Photo Walk** — Fri, Sept 25, 8–10 a.m.
Photographer Hawkins Biggins and historic architect Katie Stephens lead a hands-on look at reading and photographing historic buildings, then walk the Capital Historic District — including the Hawai'i State Capitol and the Julia Morgan–designed YWCA O'ahu.

🎞️ **Large Format Archival Documentation Workshop** *(repeats daily)* — Fri 3–4 p.m., Sat 3–4 p.m., Sun 9–10 a.m.
Archival photographer Timothy De La Vega, with 50+ years behind the camera, introduces HABS/HAER photography standards and gives hands-on time with large format cameras, film, and equipment. Perfect for anyone interested in preservation, archives, or documentary work.

🕰️ **"Honolulu Then and Now" Illustrated Talk** — Sat, Sept 26, 4:30–5:30 p.m.
Storyteller Kamaka Pili pairs archival and contemporary images of Fort, Merchant, and Bishop Streets to reveal how downtown Honolulu has changed — and what remains.

⏰ Early bird pricing ends TODAY August 27! Learn more + register here: https://historichawaii.org/event/photocon2026/

08/15/2026

Alexander & Baldwin Building
By HHF Volunteer, May Shiraishi

The Alexander & Baldwin Building is a well-known landmark in Downtown Honolulu and these historic photographs reveal a perspective that many people rarely see, the construction phase. While most of us recognize the complete structure, these images from the Hawai‘i State Archives document the journey from blueprint and foundation to the finished building that still stands today. They provide a glimpse into the construction challenges of the early 20th century and the remarkable effort it took to establish one of Honolulu’s first major commercial office buildings.

Completed in 1929, the four-story Alexander & Baldwin Building was designed by renowned architects C.W. Dickey and Hart Wood with Honolulu’s pioneer landscape architect Richard C. Tongg contributing to the exterior landscaping. Dickey helped popularize the iconic “Hawaiian” roof style, characterized by its high peaks, low eaves, and double pitched design. The building reflects a thoughtful and unique blend of Hawaii’s climate, history and Hawaiian regional architecture with Asian and Mediterranean decorative elements. The influence of Chinese culture on Hawaii’s architecture can be seen in the building’s design, reflecting the close connection between the island’s early sugar industry and Chinese labor.

More than just construction photographs, these images capture a pivotal moment in Honolulu’s architectural development. They remind us that behind every historic landmark, there is a story of innovation, artistry, and cultural exchange.

Image #1: Prior To The Construction Process of the Alexander & Baldwin Building. PP – 7 – 3 – 007.
Image #2: Construction Process of the Alexander & Baldwin Building. PPWD – 1 – 6 – 014.
Image #3: Construction Process of the Alexander & Baldwin Building. PP – 7 – 3 – 011.
Image #4: Construction Process of the Alexander & Baldwin Building. PP – 7 – 3 – 013.
Image #5: Construction Process of the Alexander & Baldwin Building. PP – 7 – 4 – 008.
Image #6: Completed Alexander & Baldwin Building. PP-7-3-009.
(All images courtesy Hawai‘i State Archives.)

07/24/2026

07/24/2026

Advocacy Alert! ACHP Proposal Would GUT Key Preservation Protections.
_________________________________________

Proposed changes to Section 106 could weaken protections for historic and cultural places across the country. Learn what's at stake, why it matters, and how you can stay informed.

Link in bio.

05/20/2026

Join Historic Hawaii Foundation: HHF in partnership with the Department of the Interior Office of Native Hawaiian Relations and National Park Service for a free webinar highlighting case studies of co-stewardship for the perpetuation of traditional knowledge and positive preservation outcomes.

Wahi Pana Stewardship in Practice – Case Studies from Native Hawaiian Organizations
📅 Thursday, June 18, 2026
⏰ 9:30am HST
💻 Virtual on Zoom

This 90-minute webinar highlights how Native Hawaiian Organizations are advancing cultural stewardship and preservation efforts grounded in ʻike kūpuna through place-based stewardship, community engagement, and restoration practices.

Featured case studies on O‘ahu:
• Caring for Iwi Kūpuna at Mokuoeo, Ke‘ehi, Moanalua Ahupua‘a — Mauliola Keʻehi and Huliauapa'a
• Stewardship at Luluku Archaeological and Field Complex, Kāne‘ohe — ‘Āina Momona

Presenters:
Kona Au-Love (‘Āina Momona)
Kēhaulani Kupihea (Mauliola Ke‘ehi)
Tehani M. Quitevis, Rachel Hoerman & Wailana Medeiros (Huliauapa‘a)
Kawika McKeague (G70)

Images:
1) Three of the four tidal islets in Ke‘ehi, Moanalua Ahupua‘a, Kona Moku, O‘ahu. (Photo by Kēhaulani Kupihea courtesy Mauliola Ke‘ehi.)

2) Restored lo‘i kalo in foreground, Ko‘olau mountains in background and terraces in process of being restored to left of the group. (Photo by Linahala Bulatao courtesy ‘Āina Momona.)

Free and open to the public. Registration required. Register here: https://tinyurl.com/yewu7hf2

05/02/2026

COMMUNITY PRESERVATION GRANT DEADLINES ANNOUNCED

HHF PRESERVATION GRANTS provide support for rehabilitation or restoration construction projects that preserve the character-defining features of a historic building or site. Eligible Applicants include public agencies, 501(c) (3), and other nonprofit organizations. 2026 Submittal Deadlines: June 1 & September 1. Learn more and apply: https://historichawaii.org/article/hhf-historic-preservation-grants/

HILO PRESERVATION GRANT PROGRAM provides grants for the preservation, rehabilitation, restoration and beautification of historically-significant buildings and structures located in the core downtown area of Hilo. Eligible Applicants include non‐profit organizations, for‐profit businesses and government agencies. 2026 Submittal Deadlines: June 12 & September 11 Learn more and apply: https://historichawaii.org/article/hilo-preservation-grant-program/

04/27/2026

University of Hawai'i Historic Preservation Graduate Certificate Program just announced a Historic Preservation Field School, June 8-July 2, 2026 on Documenting Modernism! The session is open to 4th-year undergrad and graduate level students. Contact Professor Bill Chapman @ [email protected] for details and to apply.