The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1904-12-03
TO REVIVE
OLD HAWAII
Governor Studies Plan
to Build Native
Village.


| liams to establish in the islands
native village to preserve the acts and
illustrate the habits of the people Of
| old Hawaii
The matter was outlined to the Gov
ernor. somewhat in extension by Mr.
Williams in a communication setting
| forth his idea of the institution Of
such a village largely as an added at
traction for tourists. Governor Carter
| practically. has taken UP that side OF
| the question, but has also gone into
the consideration of the actual ethno-
| logical value to come from such ar
exhibit, and has entered into some
correspondence relative to the plan
with several citizens whose views
would be apt to have value. The Gov
ernor, in his letter. intimated that II
the plan were under proper control,
the Commissioner of Public Works
might not be averse to the occupation
of government lands for the purpose OF
the village.
Replies favorable to the plan have
been received from several parties.
Among these replies, that of Mr.. c.
L. Wight, president of Wilder's
Steamship Company, unhesitatipgly
approves the plan as one having
merit
THE location for such a colony"
says Mr.. Wight, should be on the
seashore, where canoeing, surf riding
and fishing would be features.
.'As to hula dances admitting the
Ayran origin of the Hawaiians. they
probably sprung from the same source
as the religious dances of the early
Greeks and Romans, and for ethno-
logical reasons should be preserved by
the government They also indicate
the ght-heartedness of the Hawai-
fans, and with certain restrictions are
of primary interest to the ordinary
sight seer. 1t is possible that under
competent government supervision
they might be permitted, but 1 am
not prepared to advocate hula dances
without giving the matter further con-
sideration.
IF the restoration of a heiau could
be effected, containing idols. and, in
fact, everything pertaining to the re-
ligious customs of the aboriginal Ha-
waiians, this would be of undoubted
interest, not only to the sight seer but
to the residents of the islands. 1t
should not be undertaken without
careful consideration. I do not adj
vocate it. but simply mention it as a
topic bearing on the question under
discussion
In the same connection. Mr. r A.
Gilman writes: Il believe that such
a proposition. if properly managed.
would be a great addition to Honolu-
lu, and furnish one attraction for
tourists which, at the present time. is
wanting
THE financing of such an undertake
ing is entirely another question, and
would not advise the Promotion
Committee to attempt such a venture
unless they We're assured in advance
of sufficient funds to meet any posi-
Bile loss. do not believe that such
a village would be self-supporting,
even though the government should
furnish the ground free of charge.
IF, however. private parties wish to
the running of such an affair,
I think it would be wise for the gov
eminent to assist in any way posi-
ble''
The plan of Mr.. Williams as out
lined in his communication to the
Governor. is as follows:
1T is the intention to form a native
colony of respectable people. provide
them with comfortable grass houses
and taro lands sufficient to raise all
the taro required for their subsistence
and where they can grow as many
other varieties of fruits, vegetables
ana flowers as they may desire.
ITO procure natives proficient in
making hats, mats, leis, or any other
that are purely Hawaiian;
md to include among their number
some who are proficient and. capable
If rendering the ancient national
iances of the country
ITO consummate this object will re-
luire tract of at least ten acres of
veil watered land. and easily accessi-
lie from town. On this land will be
rected grass houses. after the old and
most approved plan, and each house
viii be provided with the simple i'm
dement's for domestic use.
II IL the intention 10 nave mats,
mats and the various varieties of leis.
n which the native women have been
o expert. made on the ground, and if
'ossible also to introduce some of the
-ncient pastimes, among which will
e spear-throwing. The colony VIII be
Implied with ponies. and one of the
equirements, particularly on steamer
lays. viii be TO ride with the old,
picturesque pau
'One or more large grass lanais will
e erected. which can be used for the
of the national dances. Civ !
ng a luau, or by the guests il they
lect 10 dance
Sweet potatoes. bread fruits. man
-oes. papayas, bananas cocoanuts.
auhala MALE. in short all the vari- +.
ties of plants and flowers 50 dear to
he native viii be grown, and the
lanting, cultivation and preparation.
Z food plants. will be 50 arranged that.
can be seen at all stages.
cit is the intention To have things 50