GEORGE F. LEE / GLEE@STARBULLETIN.COM
Gail Hironaka, deputy director of the Queen Liliuokalani Children's Center, viewed the 4-foot-high statue by Marianna Pineda of the queen yesterday which was taken from the center back in April. It was found and returned this week.
Stolen statue
is found and
returned to centerThe 4-foot-high statue of
Queen Liliuokalani
disappeared in April
A statue of Queen Liliuokalani stolen from the courtyard of a children's center in Kalihi was returned this week.
The 4-foot statue was stolen three months ago from the back courtyard of the Queen Liliuokalani Children's Center. Staff members said they believe the thieves climbed the fence around the yard to steal the 100-pound statue.
Claire Asam, executive director of the children's center, said a couple saw something on the side of a road in Kalihi and stopped to take a look. Lying in the brush was the statue of the queen, a little dirty but intact. The couple recognized the statue and called the center, Asam said.
"We are just excited and happy," said Asam. "The statue is a visual reminder of the trust she (Liliuokalani) left and reminds us (of) the work we have to do with Hawaii's orphans and destitute children."
The statue is in a conference room until it can be cleaned and permanently secured to the cement pedestal in the courtyard. The center has increased security around the courtyard.
Asam said they hope to return the statue to its prominent location in the courtyard in time for the queen's birthday on Sept. 2.
There is still no word about the two portraits of the queen and her husband, a koa clock or a feather lei stolen from the reception area in April. Still, the center's staff is celebrating the statue's return.
"We are really just grateful it's not damaged," said Asam. "Everyone just loved the statue. The queen has a special place in our hearts."
