Lighthouse Restoration
Due to the corrosion and deterioration of the historic lighthouse over the years, a group formed to discuss the preservation of the Kīlauea Point Light Station. This group included members of the community, Kīlauea Point Natural History Association (later to become Friends of Kauaʻi Wildlife Refuges), and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS). In 2003, our organization established the Kīlauea Point Historic Preservation Committee, which eventually led to the kick-off of a one million dollar capital campaign in 2008, entitled “Beacon for the Generations to Come” (Ka Lama Kuhikuhi No Na Hanauna). In addition to the almost $1 million received in private donations, $1.5 million in public funds were allocated, thanks to the federal funding initiated by U.S. Senator Daniel Inouye, along with a Save America’s Treasures Grant, Federal Cost Share Grants and other USFWS funds.
In 2008, the anchor bolts holding the lantern room to the concrete tower, some of which had completely disintegrated, were replaced. In 2010, additional phases of the restoration project began and were finished as follows:
Spring 2012 – Completed repairs on the unique cast iron roof and lantern assembly, and stabilized the fragile lens.
November 2012 - Completed restoration work on the concrete tower, which included opening the closed vents and window openings, installing new windows, and removing the old exterior coating to return the tower to its original appearance.
Spring 2013 - Additional stabilization and protection of the Fresnel lens occurred. All Restoration work was completed by April 30, 2013.
Lighthouse Restoration Major Donors
LIGHTHOUSE KEEPER: $100,000 AND UP
Ben & Christine Stiller
Wyncote Foundation NW
LANTERN ROOM: $50,000 TO $99,999
Bill & Sandi Strong
The Unkrich | Century Family
WATCH ROOM: $25,000 TO $49,999
Coldwell Banker Bali Hai Realty, John Ferry Family
Jeff Lindner
Hampton Hotels
SECOND DECK: $10,000 TO $24,999
Steven & Gloria Cohen, Edible Hawaiian Islands Magazine
Patty Ewing & Kong Lung Market Center
Byron & Dolores Gourley
Patrick & Lona Hallmark
Alan & Carol Hill
Walter & Marcia Kortschack
Don & Laura McConnell
Tom & Katie Pickett
Nicki Lorayn Pignoli & Family
Conrad & Karen Schmidt
John Simpson
Gary & Bebe Smith
FOUNDATION: $5,000 TO $9,999
Noreen Bautista & Family
Robert Broshears & Ruth Romero
Ileana Carreno – Fergeson & Fly
Rosalie Danbury
The Folks at Island Soap
Abigail Kawananakoa
Thomas D. King Jr.
Mike & Sheree Latif & Family
Monica Leccese
Lyon Foundation
Linda Moriarty
Lighthouse Centennial Sponsors
VOYAGER: $10,000 OR MORE
County of Kaua‘i & Hawai‘i Tourism Authority
Hunt Development
NAVIGATOR: $1,000 OR MORE
Ali‘i Video Productions
Historic Kong Lung Market Center
Kaua‘i Tent & Party
Patrick Ching, Naturally Hawaiian
St. Regis Princeville Resort
The Eastside Cafe
Wyndham Ke ‘Eo Kai
MARINER: $100 OR MORE
Akita Enterprises, Ltd.
The Bistro
Impact Photographics
Kilauea Bakery & Pau Hana Pizza
Kilauea Neighborhood Association
Princeville Center
Gary Smith
U.S. Lighthouse Society
Vercol Table
U.S. Senator Daniel Inouye was a major champion of this project and the lighthouse was renamed in his honor.