Categorized | Volunteering

Paniolo auction includes visit to archaeological ‘dig’ (June 25)

MEDIA RELEASE

The rare opportunity to see how paniolo history is being recovered at an authentic Hawaii Island archaeological “dig” could be yours if you are the winning bidder at the Paniolo Preservation Society’s silent auction during its 4-7 p.m., Saturday, June 25 community Open House and blessing of its new Paniolo Heritage Center at Historic Pukalani Stables.

Here’s the scoop: one of the silent auction items at the PPS Open House at Pukalani Stables will be a one-time-only day-trip on Monday, July 4 to a remote portion of Humuula off of Mana Road, where UH-Hilo and the University of Nevada at Reno are excavating the “Old Laumaia Ranching Site” which is believed to be one of the first commercial ranching stations in Humuula, dating to the mid-nineteenth century.

The site, discovered in 2007, was surrounded by gorse and has been painstakingly cleared for investigation. It is not open to the general public and is being investigated under a special permit from the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands.

Participants will leave in a touring van from Waimea at approximately 8 a.m. July 4, and proceed via Saddle Road to Mana Road to the site (approximately 7 miles of off-road driving each way). Participation requires an approximately ½ mile hike over uneven terrain to reach the site.

Upon reaching the “dig,” participants will have an opportunity to interact with the field-school participants to see how paniolo history is being recovered, said Peter R. Mills, Ph.D., Professor of Anthropology at UH-Hilo, and a PPS Board member who arranged for DHHL permission for the unique auction item.

Participants must be willing to sign a release of liability form.

Winning participants will be asked to pack drinking water and a lunch as the trip will take most of the day. Sun-gear, rain-gear and appropriate foot-wear will also be required.

Other items offered in the silent auction to benefit PPS’ restoration work will include:

* An authentic Paniolo Dinner for 12 prepared by Palani Ranch “Chef” Jimmy Greenwell, and presented at Robby & Marty Hind’s home in Waimea. The dinner will include the famous Palani Ranch family recipe for oxtail stew, smoked meat and other ranch favorites.

* Several paintings including an F.W. Hendricks’ ranching watercolor.

* An opportunity to “Drive Your Own Miss Daisy!” Dr. Brady Bergin of Waimea’s Aina Hou Animal Hospital is providing an opportunity for someone to own a yearling donkey – jack or jenny! On display to meet throughout the Saturday Open House at Pukalani will be Bergin’s own pet jenny donkey, named “Daisy.”

Funds raised by the PPS silent auction will help continue restoration of the 100-plus year old Pukalani Stables, which is being dedicated as a community gathering place, interpretive center and repository for the proud heritage of the Hawaiian paniolo.

The entire community is invited to the Open House. A $10 donation is suggested to include light pupu (smoked meat, sausage, kalo and more) and beverages.

Also featured during the PPS Pukalani Stables Open House will be the popular Paniolo Hall of Fame exhibit, which was initiated by the Oahu Cattlemen’s Association in 1999 to recognize yesterday’s and today’s paniolo who have made our paniolo culture legendary.

Now in its 11th year, including the 2010 inductees, there are more than 100 members, both living and deceased, representing all of the Hawaiian islands including Ikua Purdy, Even Lowe and John Palmer Parker. The exhibit consists of photos, short biographies and oral history interviews.

To see how much work has been done at Pukalani Stables since PPS received the keys from Parker Ranch on April 1, go to Facebook for pictures of the power washing, termite tenting, painting and general sprucing up.

To follow PPS activities, become a “fan” on Facebook, where there’s an extensive collection of “before” photos. Info: www.facebook.com/paniolopreservationsociety

Or contact PPS’ Heritage Center Manager, Anthony Roberts (640-9379) or email: aroberts.pps@gmail.com.

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