Kokee museum builds on legacy
POSTED: Sunday, November 09, 2008
As Nov. 28, Kokee Natural History Museum's 55th birthday, approaches, Marsha Erickson dreams of the ideal gift for it: a brand-new structure planned and constructed with community input, resources and energy.
KOKEE STATE PARK» Directions on Kauai: Head west from Lihue on Highway 50. Turn right on Highway 550 going north. Kokee Natural History Museum and the Lodge at Kokee are just past the 15-mile marker.
» Call: (808) 335-9975
» E-mail: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
» Web site: www.kokee.org
» Notes: Kokee State Park encompasses 4,345 lush acres between the 3,200- and 4,200-foot elevations. Daytime temperatures range from 45 degrees in January to 68 degrees in July. The rainy period is October through May. Kokee Natural History Museum will mark its 55th anniversary with a celebration on Nov. 29 that begins at 11 a.m. Planned are a blessing ceremony; live music; storytelling; holiday wreath-making; and lunch of beef stew, rice, poi, salad and gingerbread. All activities are free, but you must call (808) 335-9975 by Nov. 20 to make lunch reservations.
ATTRACTIONS AND ACTIVITIESUnless another number is provided, call (808) 335-9975 for more information.
» Kokee Natural History Museum: The museum provides an overview of the natural and cultural history of Kokee and Waimea Canyon State Parks. Highlights include exhibits on Hurricane Iniki, which hit the islands in September 1992; land and seashells; birds of Kauai; and trees of the Hawaiian forest. It's open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. year-round. Admission is free (donations are welcome).
» Hunting: (808) 274-3437
» Trout fishing: (808) 274-3344
» Hiking: Native vegetation, forest birds and magnificent cliff-side views are the attractions of Kokee's 17 trails, which range from easy 1/5-mile nature walks to strenuous 20.5-mile hikes reserved for experienced trekkers. Explore on your own or arrange a private guided hike (reservations are required; call for rates). Free guided Wonder Walks are scheduled from June through mid-September. Trails vary each week, and you must make advance reservations. You can buy trail maps in the museum's gift shop. Rangers and knowledgeable volunteers are on hand to provide weather information and to recommend hikes.
» Camping: Kokee Lodge rents 12 cabins that sleep three to seven people. They're furnished with refrigerators, wood stoves, hot showers, eating and cooking utensils, linens, towels, blankets and pillows. The rate is $65 per night plus taxes and a $20 cleaning fee. Call (808)-335-6061. Tent camping is allowed in designated areas; call (808) 274-3446 to obtain a permit.
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It's obvious the museum needs a new home; since its inception, it's been in a building constructed in 1942 for military use.
Erickson is the executive director of Hui o Laka, the nonprofit organization that operates the Kauai museum and cultural, educational and stewardship programs in Kokee. She envisions the new center as the activity hub for Kokee and Waimea Canyon State Parks, as well as the headquarters for Hui o Laka, which has been based at the neighboring 73-year-old former Civilian Conservation Corps camp since April 1991.
“;The building that houses Kokee Museum can't serve for another half-century,”; said Erickson. “;Neither can the adjacent building housing the Lodge at Kokee be expected to last much longer because it also dates back to World War II. Kokee, one of Hawaii's most beautiful and cherished places, deserves a new culturally sensitive, site-appropriate museum, visitor center and lodge.”;
In 2003, challenged with developing a rough concept for the facilities, Erickson discovered many notable structures in America's parks, including Yosemite and Yellowstone, were built in a rustic style from materials found in their locale.
Inspiration struck the following year when Hui o Laka began removing aggressive non-native plants from Kokee, including the Australian blackwood.
“;We discovered that tree has great value as timber,”; said Erickson. “;Because Hui o Laka receives no funding from the state, we initially thought we could bolster our modest operating budget if we could get permission from the Department of Land and Natural Resources to sell the wood. Then we realized we shouldn't sell it; perhaps we could use it and the wood from other non-native trees for the construction of a new museum!”;
MUCH WORK LIES ahead to determine the feasibility of this innovative idea; even if all the pieces fall into place, it probably wouldn't come to fruition for a decade. Hui o Laka needs to conduct due diligence, encourage community involvement, draw up proposals, and obtain necessary approvals and permits.
Erickson believes that graduate students in architecture and business at the University of Hawaii at Manoa could develop the design and business plan with the guidance of professionals in the fields.
“;We're trying to connect the community and visitors with this extraordinary place,”; said Erickson. “;Our festivals, workshops, recreational activities and volunteer opportunities are part of that. A new museum would greatly enhance what we're doing to be responsible stewards of Kokee.”;
In her view, the best-case scenario would be a complex built on sound principles of conservation and sustainability.
“;Its design and materials would fit well in Kokee's wilderness setting,”; said Erickson. “;It would be cost-effective, reflect the islands' culture and values, and 100 years from now, it will still be in great shape and make Hawaii proud.”;
