STAR-BULLETIN / JULY 2005 JP Damon said he is considering restoration of the "Chinese Hall," which was used by the Damon family to entertain officials. The hall's original tile roof, eaves, entranceway and carved wooden panels were imported from China and assembled in Hawaii, says the Moanalua Gardens Foundation Web site.

Damon Scion purchases 22-acre Moanalua Gardens

The royal adviser's great-grandson vows to keep it open to the public

Moanalua Gardens will remain part of the legacy of the late Samuel Mills Damon to the people of Hawaii.

His great-grandson John Philip "JP" Damon finalized the purchase of the 22-acre property for $5.05 million on Dec. 29.

"The Gardens have always been a part of my life. I am honored to be taking on this responsibility to the community," said Damon, 42, in a written statement.

Damon intends to keep the site open to the public, according to his attorney, Jim Wright. "It is Mr. Damon's hope that he continue his great-grandfather's legacy."

About five to 10 employees will remain. The property, which is zoned as preservation land, has an annual maintenance cost estimated at $600,000.

According to a news release, the property is part of the ahupuaa of Moanalua that Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop willed to Samuel Mills Damon when she died in 1884. Damon was a close friend of Bishop and a business partner of her husband, Charles Reed Bishop. He also served as an adviser to King Kalakaua and Queen Liliuokalani.

When the senior Damon died in 1924, he stated in his will that the trustees of his estate would make Moanalua Gardens available to the public during the existence of his trust, the news release said.

The trust of Samuel Mills Damon ended on Nov. 9, 2004, with the death of his last grandchild, Joan Damon Haig. Since then, trustees looked at various options and potential buyers for the property before they had reached an agreement with JP Damon.

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs had expressed interest in purchasing the land. The organization had a backup agreement with the Damon Estate to move forward with the sale if Damon decided not to proceed with the purchase, said Timothy Johns, chief operating officer of the estate.

OHA Chairwoman Haunani Apoliona said she hopes the property will remain open to the public and remain the traditional host of the annual Prince Lot Hula Festival, described as the largest noncompetitive annual hula festival in the state. "I think the community as a whole would hope that the tradition is not broken," she said.

Johns said, "We feel that we got a good value for the beneficiaries. We are pleased that it will still be in the hands of the legacy of the property and its historical and cultural significance."

In a statement provided by spokeswoman Pauline Worsham, Alexander Jamile, president of the Moanalua Gardens Foundation's board of directors, said: "We're very pleased with the sale and that this continues the legacy established by Samuel Mills Damon to preserve a very special place, one that has great historical and cultural meaning.

"We look forward to working in partnership with the new owner and to continue Moanalua Gardens Foundation's environmental, education and cultural programs."

The foundation provides environmental education programs statewide.

JP Damon said he is considering restoration of a summer cottage located on the property that was owned by Prince Lot, who later reigned as King Kamehameha V. The "Chinese Hall," which was used by the Damon family to entertain officials, also is being considered for restoration work. The hall's original tile roof, eaves, entranceway and carved wooden panels were imported from China and assembled in Hawaii, according to the Moanalua Gardens Foundation Web site.

"The property has been part of the Damon family for nearly 123 years," Damon said. "I hope my children will also choose in time to take on this responsibility."