Whenever possible, these builders used traditional materials and techniques to create a traditional structure that will shelter the 27 foot outrigger canoe, the Waherak Maihar. The Waherak Maihar was originally built on Puluwat Atoll in 1958. It never got there. Transportation problems left it stranded on Saipan after nearly a year in a .' warehouse on Guam. Following many months of exposure to the elements, the canoe was finally restored in 1978 through a federal conservation grant sponsored by the Historic Preservation Office of the Trust Territory.
Repairs are again in progress.
Following the Flame Tree Festival, with help from the Saipan Mayor's office the CAO will coordinate the truck transport of the canoe down Beach Road to the NMI Museum where it will be lifted over the courtyard wall and placed beneath the newly constructed utt for permanent display. The Waherak Maihar is at last transported to the NMI Museum. The efforts to completing this project from the assistance of the Saipan Mayor's Office, NMI Museum staff, and the CAO staff, the canoe now rest on the museum grounds for display. Bring the kids and family along. Schokka re mwuschel rebwe apply.