The Hawaiian gazette., 1904-12-06
TO, .REV|VE
OLD HAW||A
Governor Studies Plan
to Build Native
Village.

The territorial. Executive has shown
disposition to take up very seriously
the plan advanced by Mr.. ]. ]. VIII
liams to establish in the islands a
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 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 an
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 IL
the plan We're 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, unhesitatingly
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 earlv
Greeks and Romans, and for ethno-
logical reasons should be preserved bv
the government. They also indicate
the light-heartedness of the Hawai-
ians, and with certain restrictions are
of primary interest to the ordinary
sight seer. 1t is possible that under
competent government superyision
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 vou,., ho 90 ,,naa,,,to,
interest, not only to the sight seer but
to the residents of the islands. II
should not be undertaken without
careful consideration. l do not ad-
vocate 1t but simply mention II as n
topic bearing on the question under
discussion"
In the same connection. Mr.. + A.
Gilman writes: "I believe that such
proposition, II 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
l would not advise the Promotion
Committee to attempt such n venture
unless they We're assured In advance
of sufficient funds to meet anv possi-
BILE loss. / do not believe that such
a village would be self-supportine.
even though the government should
furnish the ground free of charge.
''If. however private parties wish to
attempt the running of such an affair
W
TO assist In any way poss
BILE"
The plan of Mr.. williams as out
lined In his communication to the
Governor, is as follows:
1T is the intention to form n native
colony of respectable people. provide
them with comfortable grass houses
and taro lands sufficient to raise all
he taro required for their suhsistence
and where they can grow as many
)ther varieties of fruits, vegetables
md flowers as they may desire.
ITO procure natives proficient in
making hats, mats. leis, or any other
PRODUCTS that are purely Hawaiian:
md to include among their number
'ome 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