“BUY A BRICK” CAMPAIGN AIMED AT RESTORATION OF HISTORIC PIONEER MILL SMOKESTACK

The Lahaina Restoration Foundation launched a Buy a Brick fundraising campaign this week to raise funds for the restoration of the historic Pioneer Mill Smokestack.

The landmark stands 200-feet-tall and dates to the 1860s when the mill was founded.  The mill was one of Hawaii’s last remaining sugar plantations at the time of its closure in 1999.

Plans are to restore the top of the smokestack which was removed several years ago for safety reasons.  Cost of the restoration project is estimated at $300,000.

Bricks are being sold for between $100 and $750 depending on size and inscription.  The bricks purchased will be used to create a circular walkway around the base of the smokestack. Individual bricks can be engraved with the donor’s name, the name of a loved one, company name or logo.  Proceeds from the sale of these bricks will help offset restoration costs of the smokestack, installation of interpretive plaques and landscape features.

Bricks are being sold for $100 for a 4″ x 8″ brick with engraving on 2 lines, $125 for a 4″ x 8″ brick with engraving on 3 lines, $500 for a 8″ x 8″ brick with engraving on 4 lines, and $750 for an 8″ x 8″ brick with one’s corporate logo engraved.  Agency officials say the first 100 people to order a brick will receive a free replica brick to keep (a $50 value).

Lahaina resident and active Foundation volunteer Sam “Sammy” Kadotani is tasked with leading this fundraising campaign.

“Whether you want to buy a brick to show your pride in Lahaina, your connection to the mill, or want to memorialize a loved one or even yourself, now is your chance,” said Kadotani.  “Many of us remember this landmark growing up and for those who worked in the mill the smokestack has become a beloved part of our family history – something that can never be replaced.  Now is our time to give back.  Today, this landmark needs our attention and our dollars,” said Kadotani.

To buy a brick, contact The Lahaina Restoration Foundation office at 808-661-3262.

(Posted by Wendy Osher © 2009; information provided by the Lahaina Restoration Foundation; Photo by Wendy Osher © 2009)