Now Available: Lihu‘e: Root and Branch of a Hawai‘i Town by Pat L. Griffin. Published by the Kauai Historical Society; design and production by University Press. Hardback, 372 pp., photographs, diagrams, index.
From the book jacket: Lihu‘e, Kaua‘i is both representative of and uniquely different from other communities in Hawai‘i. Its origins are rooted in the early days of the sugar industry. Over time, this once obscure hamlet branched out to become the island’s county seat, commercial core, and transport hub–the Heart of Kaua‘i. “Lihu‘e: Root and Branch of a Hawai‘i Town” traces that history from its beginnings to the present day.
Through the lens of a building-by-building “tour” of Lihu‘e’s urban center and the once predominant mill, a vivid picture emerges about the place and the people who shaped it: kings and men who traveled with kings; adventurers who made fortunes as they transformed the land around them; a political boss who upended the town’s structure as an act of revenge. “Lihu’e” spotlights visionaries and scoundrels, leaders and laborers, and entrepreneurs from East and West. The varied architecture along the route provides a concrete foundation for the interpretation of those people’s impacts and their institutions’ changes over time. “Lihu’e,” with its impressive research, careful documentation, and wealth of illustrations, contributes a noteworthy addition to the historical literature of Hawai‘i.
The author, Pat L. Griffin, has spent 30 years assisting private and public enterprises to preserve and interpret their stories. She has written or contributed to: Wilcox Memorial Hospital in the Twentieth Century; The Folklore of American Holidays, and Pohaku: The Art and Architecture of Stonework in Hawai‘i. Her articles and essays have appeared in diverse media including the Hawaiian Journal of History and the website Aloha from Hawai‘i.
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Thursday, April 9, 6:00-7:30: Presentation on the newly-published book, Lihu’e: Root and Branch of a Hawai‘i Town, by Pat L. Griffin.
At the Lihue Public Library meeting room, Hardy Street. Ms. Griffin documented the evolution of the town from a dusty sugar plantation mill and center into a thriving population and commercial center, then to a central government and services core. She included results of her voluminous research, interviews, archives, and she illustrated the book with many nostalgic, historic photos of the area. In her talk, Pat highlighted the major waves of economic and social change that made Lihu‘e what it is today. She also pointed out that the town mirrors developments in other Hawaiian towns. Mahalo to the Lihue Public Library and Friends of Lihue Library. Presented by Kaua‘i Historical Society; call 808-245-3373 or email info@kauaihistoricalsociety.org. Free admission.
Testimonials for the book include the following:
The new book, Līhuʻe, is a treasure! The text is well researched and fascinating, and the 300-plus beautifully reproduced photos could stand alone as a testament to Kauaiʻs people, the place and their times.
—Sue Kanoho, executive director, Kauaʻi Visitors Bureau
I found the book a delight to read. It brings to life my daily paths as I move about Līhuʻe and helps me understand how things were and how theyʻve come to being in todayʻs busy world. I would highly recommend Līhuʻe to all interested in Kauaʻi island life.
—Randall C. Blake, MD
Pat Griffin’s Līhuʻe, Root and Branch of a Hawai`i Town, is a wonderful book, full of great photographs that allow Līhu`e’s history to unfold in front of your eyes. It is also meticulously researched and beautifully written. A true gem!
—Andy Bushnell, kamaʻaina historian
The Historic Hawai’i Foundation, Honolulu, informed the Kaua’i Historical Society that “Lihu’e: Root and Branch of a Hawai’i Town” will be recognized with an Interpretive Media Award at Historic Hawai’i Foundation’s 2015 Preservation Honor Awards Ceremony. The award will be presented to Kaua’i Historical Society and author Pat L. Griffin.
In the letter from Historic Hawai’i Foundation, they stated: “. . .This book has impressive research, careful documentation and wealth of illustration that trace the history from its beginnings to the present day. The analysis of Lihu’e’s three main building periods, evolution of roads and studied exploration of the town’s historic structures and creators, including the many mid-century modern buildings currently achieving historic status, makes the book an exemplary tool that encourages pride of place and careful preservation of this island’s county seat. We congratulate you on your exemplary preservation efforts.”
The awards ceremony was held on May 29 in Honolulu.