Key Points

Key Points About Argonauta

Enhances Haleakala National Park: Rather than the focal point of the new “Kipahulu Conservation Center” being a modern park-style structure,Argonauta and the Writer’s Cottage are historic structures built in the style of the 1850’s era missionary churches of the area. Once within the park, Argonauta will become a key feature to inform the public on issues concerning natural and cultural resource preservation.

Serves the Native Hawaiian community: Under an existing cooperative agreement, the structures will provide office and workshop space for Kipahulu 'Ohana Inc., a native Hawaiian group assisting the National Park Service (NPS) with the preservation and interpretation of traditional Hawaiian culture. Kipahulu 'Ohana has begun restoration of the traditional landscape by removing invading alien plant species and cultivating taro in the ancient taro patches of the Kapahu Hawaiian Farm. Hawaiian living history programs including traditional cultural demonstrations are planned which will provide a hands-on experience for educators, students, park visitors and local community members. The project melds the preservation ethic of the National Park Service with the needs of the local Hawaiian community.

Promotes Cultural Tourism and Eco-Tourism: Hawai‘i’s tourism draw is increasingly becoming more than merely beach activities and entertainment. The Kipahulu Conservation Center will help satisfy the desire of tourists to experience and learn about unique natural and cultural resources. The intrinsic natural wealth and cultural tapestry of the area is both educational and inspirational. The visitor industry has come to recognize that the many tourists who seek more depth of experience, stay longer, spend more, and create less wear and tear on Hawai'i’s fragile environment.

Recognizes historically significant Hawaii residents: Both Charles and Anne Morrow Lindbergh established their legal residence in Hawai‘i. They soon sought out the services of preservation architect, John Theodore Jacobsen to design Argonauta. His work includes modern structures such as Ala Moana Center and Sea Life Park. The Kïpahulu Conservation Center will serve as a site to recognize Jacobsen's preservation work and his role in establishing architectural guidelines to preserve the special character of Hawai‘i.

Promotes Conservation & Preservation: The NPS will use the Kïpahulu Conservation Center to educate visitors about historical and contemporary steps taken by environmental giants such as Charles Lindbergh, Laurance Rockefeller and The Nature Conservancy to extend Haleakalä National Park to the Kïpahulu shoreline, preserving the area for future generations to enjoy.

History of Hana and East Maui: The Kïpahulu Conservation Center will supplement, through displays and other educational tools, the NPS mission to inform visitors of the area's rich history of pre-contact Hawai'i and the changes brought about by missionaries, sugar planters, and ranchers.

Contributes to the economy of East Maui: From a practical standpoint, the relocation of the structures and their ongoing restoration and maintenance will provide badly needed jobs in the Häna area. It will provide much needed space for exhibits, as well as office and workshop space for Kïpahulu 'Ohana and the NPS. Over 750,000 visitors annually come to Kïpahulu and that number is expected to grow. Argonauta at its new location will be a community asset with increasing significance and will be an important feature in the proposed National Heritage Corridor proposed for the region.


In his later years, Charles Lindbergh championed the causes of conservation, preservation, and the rights of indigenous peoples. “. . . In establishing parks and nature reserves, man reaches beyond the material values of science and technology. . . This is why I say that parks symbolize the greatest advance our civilization has yet made.” -- Charles A. Lindbergh, 1973

References

Charles Lindbergh. An American Aviator

http://www.charleslindbergh.com/history/index.asp

Wikipedia Article on Charles Lindbergh.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Lindberg

Charles Lindbergh: Where The "Lone Eagle" Rests on aloha-hawaii.com

http://maui.aloha-hawaii.com/hawaii/charles+lindbergh+on+maui/