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View Point

By Jean M. Ariyoshi

Friday, January 19, 2001

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Take care in
changing status of
Washington Place

RECENTLY Hawaii's first lady Vicky Cayetano, in wishing to preserve the unique cultural and historic legacy of Washington Place, proposed turning the home of Queen Liliuokalani into a museum for entertaining and tours (Star-Bulletin, Jan. 5).

She also supports constructing a new residence for future governors of Hawaii and their families in the rear of the property.

In the ensuing week, I received many phone calls from friends who wanted to know what my thoughts were about this idea. I felt it incumbent to express my feelings.

When our family lived there, we -- like the Cayetano family -- felt a great loss of privacy. There was always a delicate balance between our public and private lives.

But it was such a privilege and honor to have lived in the home of our queen.

Residing in her rooms, among her things, we felt a responsibility to do our best for the Hawaii we all love

We used to tip-toe in front of the imposing portrait of Queen Liliuokalani by William Cogswell and quietly say a prayer that we would always be faithful to her memory, and to her undying devotion to the people of these islands.

Perhaps building private quarters outside but close to the home is an excellent idea and a good compromise, especially since the state would not have to acquire expensive real estate to accommodate this concept.

A foundation has been established to raise monies for residence. From experience, however, I know private monies are hard to come by.

My husband always contended that asking the private sector to assist in supporting state functions is just another tax.

There are many questions to be answered before a final decision is made on this very important and potentially costly issue.

If a new residence is built, who will maintain it?

Who will maintain Washington Place as a museum?Its upkeep will be tremendous.

What will the state's responsibility be?

What will the foundation's responsibility be?

Will there be a charge for Hawaii residents to visit Washington Place? While we were in residence, trained volunteer docents conducted many tours and there was never a charge.

I raise these questions only to stimulate discussion. I hope that, in the process, the community, the Historic Preservation Division of the Department of Land and Natural Resources and the Legislature will be consulted. If Hawaii's people support this proposal, they will support it wholeheartedly and generously.

We have such wonderful memories of Washington Place. Vacating it entirely should never happen because when people leave a home, it becomes empty of love and vibrancy and it dies.

I hope this will not be the end result. The home of the queen is so very special and deserves to be filled with people, music and love.

Mrs. Cayetano should be commended for raising the issue of the future of Washington Place.

I pray that a solution will be found that will be satisfactory to the people of Hawaii, and one that we can imagine Queen Liliuokalani might smile upon.

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Jean M. Ariyoshi is the former first lady of the State of Hawaii.