UH Proposes Demoliton of Historic Engineering Quad

UH Proposes Demoliton of Historic Engineering Quad

"We will probably be judged not by the monuments we build but by those we have destroyed."

- New York Times Editorial, October 30, 1963

On July 24, 2008, Kiersten Faulkner, Executive Director of Historic Hawaii Foundation, submitted the following letter to the University of Hawaii in response to the University of Hawaii's plans to demolish the remaining Engineering Quad in order to build a new student workout center.

July 24, 2008

Virginia S. Hinshaw, Ph.D.

Chancellor, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa

Hawai‘i Hall

2500 Campus Road

Honolulu, HI 96822

RE: Opposition to Proposed Demolition of Engineering Quad, UH-Mānoa

Dear Dr. Hinshaw,

On behalf of Historic Hawai‘i Foundation (HHF), I am writing to express strong opposition to the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa’s proposal to demolish four historic buildings known as the Engineering Quad.

The four structures, built between 1915 and 1928, are some of the oldest buildings on campus. They retain historic significance and integrity associated with location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling and association. While they are in need of maintenance and repair, they are fundamentally sound. With thoughtful rehabilitation, the buildings can continue to contribute to the character and ambience of the historic Mānoa campus.

It is especially important that the University not discard its historic legacy in a headlong rush to embrace only that which is shiny and new, especially in this, the University’s centennial year. Historic Hawai‘i Foundation supports the University’s need for new and upgraded facilities that further its educational mission. In many of its projects, UH has been a leader in demonstrating ways in which contemporary uses are compatible with historic settings. Hawai‘i is home to many talented architects, planners and engineers who are capable of integrating historic buildings and sites into a modern facility. It is critical that UH retain its credibility and standing as a leader in this arena, demonstrating the link between past and present, historic and contemporary.

In discussions with the State Historic Preservation Division, HHF learned that SHPD was consulted under the State’s historic preservation statute (HRS 6E) and that it was attempting to negotiate a compromise. However, recent communications from UH indicate that the University proposes to demolish all four remaining historic structures in the Engineering Quad, in addition to the fifth building that UH razed in the 1970s.

HHF opposes the demolition of the Engineering Quad and will strongly communicate that opposition through the avenues available to it. I urge you and your leadership team to reconsider this course of action. I am happy to discuss with you, your staff, consultants and other stakeholders ways in which UH can both meet its facilities objectives and comply with preservation standards.

Historic Hawai‘i Foundation was established in 1974 as a membership-based non-profit organization to encourage the preservation of buildings, sites and communities related to the history of Hawai‘i. As the statewide leader for historic preservation, Historic Hawai‘i Foundation works to preserve the unique historic and cultural heritage of the Islands and believes that historic preservation is an important element in the present and future quality of life and economic viability of the state.

I may be reached at 523-2900 or kiersten@historichawaii.org if you would like to discuss this further. I look forward to hearing from you.

Very truly yours,

Kiersten Faulkner

Executive Director

Cc: