Whether following in his footsteps, staying side by side or trotting in remembrance, dozens of Big Island residents celebrated their dads Sunday morning in Waimea, where they kicked off Father’s Day with a picturesque three-mile walk/run. Also honored were those
Whether following in his footsteps, staying side by side or trotting in remembrance, dozens of Big Island residents celebrated their dads Sunday morning in Waimea, where they kicked off Father’s Day with a picturesque three-mile walk/run. Also honored were those who helped create the foundations and characteristics of this farming and ranching community.
The first-ever event was organized by the Waimea Preservation Association, a community-based nonprofit dedicated to preserving the town’s character and history, as well as encouraging awareness of its heritage. It highlighted several historic sites built in the late 1800s or early 1900s, many of which were essential to Parker Ranch’s operations.
“It’s important for us to honor the present and the past, our fathers and forefathers,” said Bill Sanborn, Waimea Preservation Association president. “Preservation is more than just architecture. Its true value is in its ability to bring people together. We felt this event was an excellent opportunity to do just that. By celebrating our community and its members, as well as sharing a slice of local history, we hope to bring about a knowing and strengthening of our sense of place. It’s imperative that we do not lose our connectivity to the past.”
Participants trekked past Pukalani Stables, a century-old cornerstone that once housed nationally revered stallions and was stewarded by some of Hawaii’s most respected paniolo. They cruised by the Puu Hihale complex, consisting of a stone-walled corral with 8-foot walls, a cattle-branding viewing lanai and a chute built for a rodeo. They also got quick views of the old slaughterhouse behind Kahilu Hall and the Parker Ranch racetrack.
The event started and ended in the cottage that houses the Waimea Preservation Association. In its more than 90 years, this small one-story building has served as a Territory of Hawaii Tax Office, a sheriff’s office and North Hawaii Hospice’s office, to name a few. Today, the association hopes the public uses it regularly has a resource center, a place for the residents to learn about and protect the architectural, cultural, natural and historical gems that define their hometown, said Pete Hendricks, the association’s vice president.
Asked why preserving the community’s history and charm is important, Steve Bess, an association board member, summed it up perfectly in three words: “It’s our story.”
Inside the cottage Sunday were displays showing photos of historic sites, then and now, as well as a map. Attendees of the Father’s Day walk/run were also encouraged to fill out cards explaining why they love their father and share photos, later displayed on a bulletin board.
Hendricks said he hoped Sunday’s event attracted volunteers willing to share old photographs and stories of Waimea or help with the association’s various projects.
He said the association is also trying to reintroduce akuliakuli, a native groundcover plant that used to grow everywhere in the town. He also spoke passionately about an oral history project in the works.
Next school year, Sanborn said the association plans to visit local schools and conduct discussions with students about what information should be passed to their generation and the next generations. Besides stimulating conversations, the association will help jumpstart a project to get youth involved in preservation.
Another project is identifying the people for whom the iconic 60-year-old cherry blossom trees were planted at Waimea’s Church Row Park, and who the planters were. The association would like to install a plaque, Sanborn said.
For Chris Bremseth, there was no better way to spend his first Father’s Day than completing the walk with his family.
He happily pushed a stroller with his 10-month-old son, Jack Henry. His wife, Xenia, said they recently moved from Las Vegas to Waimea because they wanted to raise their son in a positive, tight-knit, unique community, where kids are still kids and can be seen running around playing games like hide-and-seek. They thought Sunday’s event was the perfect introduction to their new home, as well as a way to start running.
