The Robin Masters Estate (Pahonu)

[KENJI]

Thanks for helping with the visual RG!!!

[ZelenskyTheValiant (Ivan)]

Ok, I think there is some sort of wall between Shriner's and these 2 houses. At first it looked like those houses were on Shriner's property and the wall was only a small decorative feature that didn't extend the whole way. But in any case there's no wall or fence that separates these 2 houses from each other, right? It's weird because I see 2 gates side by side and they both lead onto the same property. I guess there's an imaginary line that separates them?

[Rembrandt's Girl]

But in any case there's no wall or fence that separates these 2 houses from each other, right? It's weird because I see 2 gates side by side and they both lead onto the same property. I guess there's an imaginary line that separates them?

There doesn't appear to be a fence between the two properties, but if you look at the property records they have different house numbers and are owned by people with different last names, Uyehara & Zane. Maybe they're related, or good friends, or just get along so that they don't need a fence?

[Rembrandt's Girl]

Good to hear from you Kenji!

I sent RG some updates of the model, especially the gate lodge, if you're interested.

The model has gotten so large now that I can't find a free hosting service to upload it to. So I've just been sending her screen captures of various new additions I've made.

I thought others might enjoy seeing Pahonu's updates so here's the gate "lodge" This is what he thinks the layout was before the renovation.

First Floor...





Second Floor...





View from Kalanianaole Hwy...



Entrance/driveway side...



Rear/garage side...

[KENJI]

Many thanks for posting for all to see RG!
Excellent work there Pahonu-WELL DONE!!!

Going in for a second look!

[ZelenskyTheValiant (Ivan)]

RG, good fences make good neighbors so I think those 2 (next to Shriners) must be miserable!

Great models of the Pahonu gatehouse! I'd consider it a privilege to live there.

[9NExtUpT]

What was it about the building's construction (or the weather, insects, etc. in Hawaii) that caused it to deteriorate?

[eagle]

Pahonu, I think I can help out with the hosting. I just had an idea that will allow you to place something on my server.

Are you using Windows, Linux, or Mac OS X?

[KENJI]

What was it about the building's construction (or the weather, insects, etc. in Hawaii) that caused it to deteriorate?

Hi 9NExtUpT,

It would've been a combination of everything you mentioned and a few others. If you factor in the
hot sun baking down, strong winds off the ocean, waves, rain, corrosion from the salt air, humidity and termites constantly coming into play over 80+ yrs. it would start taking it's toll on any building. We know Eve did do some maintenance, but at some point fell behind and it started to compound. Also the surrounding vegetation grows really fast there so I fell behind with the yard work. The house was actually built really strong with thick walls etc. and probably could've been saved by an owner with deep pockets $$$$ who had a true love for this historical place. However, when you factor in the age of Pahonu, it would've been in need of major updating on the inside (basically a gut)....layout, wiring, wood rot, plumbing, flooring, paint new kitchen, bathrooms etc., etc.. Not everyone is a MPI fan or a lover of history and architecture (shocking-I know) so they decided on razing the place instead of restoring it. I'm guessing it will be more of an open concept with more natural light. I think today's society wants everything NEW with no issues and doesn't blink an eye at chucking things out when it's not working right. Granted, Pahonu had a good life, but it could've been much longer if the right owner had purchased it. I'm sure by knocking it down, it will help with the problem of the snoopy fans lurking around the place as well. It's a shame, but it's their money and their place now, so they can do whatever they please with it. At least for now the original grounds, perimeter wall, gatehouse/lodge and boathouse are still there. I'm sure things will be altered down the road. It will be interesting to see how global warming and rising sea levels come into play in the years to come!!! Maybe they should be building the new place on stilts or pontoons!

[Pahonu]

What was it about the building's construction (or the weather, insects, etc. in Hawaii) that caused it to deteriorate?

Hi 9NExtUpT,

It would've been a combination of everything you mentioned and a few others. If you factor in the
hot sun baking down, strong winds off the ocean, waves, rain, corrosion from the salt air, humidity and termites constantly coming into play over 80+ yrs. it would start taking it's toll on any building. We know Eve did do some maintenance, but at some point fell behind and it started to compound. Also the surrounding vegetation grows really fast there so I fell behind with the yard work. The house was actually built really strong with thick walls etc. and probably could've been saved by an owner with deep pockets $$$$ who had a true love for this historical place. However, when you factor in the age of Pahonu, it would've been in need of major updating on the inside (basically a gut)....layout, wiring, wood rot, plumbing, flooring, paint new kitchen, bathrooms etc., etc.. Not everyone is a MPI fan or a lover of history and architecture (shocking-I know) so they decided on razing the place instead of restoring it. I'm guessing it will be more of an open concept with more natural light. I think today's society wants everything NEW with no issues and doesn't blink an eye at chucking things out when it's not working right. Granted, Pahonu had a good life, but it could've been much longer if the right owner had purchased it. I'm sure by knocking it down, it will help with the problem of the snoopy fans lurking around the place as well. It's a shame, but it's their money and their place now, so they can do whatever they please with it. At least for now the original grounds, perimeter wall, gatehouse/lodge and boathouse are still there. I'm sure things will be altered down the road. It will be interesting to see how global warming and rising sea levels come into play in the years to come!!! Maybe they should be building the new place on stilts or pontoons!

I think that about sums it up, Kenji. Good answer!

I would add that sea level rise is already showing it's effect with the narrowing of the beach at Pahonu. The problem is compounded by the sea wall and even the tidal pool walls. That's why the state won't allow any new sea wall construction. California won't either. These seawalls interrupt the normal tidal flow and slow sand replenishment after storms. They may limit damage to structures from such storms, but they eventually degrade the beach. These walls and sea level rise effectively eliminate dry sand at Pahonu today. Look at the neighboring properties on the side of Pahonu opposite the Shriner's for evidence of the difference. Also see the beach park beyond the Shriner's. They have no seawalls.

[KENJI]

Thanks Pahonu.

I know of quite a few condo properties in West Maui that are fighting over these walls and it's been going on for years.
http://mauinow.com/2018/04/10/maui-ocea ... t-seawall/
I've heard that once a wall was built it just created more problems for the neighbors down the road so they in turn have to look at shoring up things and so on. I think there was some poor planning back in the 60's/70's that allowed for oceanfront construction to take place with no real setbacks and now with the rising seas it's catching up with them....now what....build a wall to protect the existing structure or just let nature reclaim it....and the fight goes on. To be fair, I'm sure no one back then could've predicted the effects of global warming and how fast it's now happening. Even on Waikiki Beach you can see a few examples of the rising tides getting a wee bit too close to a few of the hotels. It's just going to get worse too. It will be interesting to see what they come up with as a solution, if any (many are in denial it's even happening). I think many of today's oceanfront properties will become part of the ocean depending on their elevation so going forward, people should be looking at buying places that are higher up and/or further back or risk it being reclaimed by Mother Nature.

[Rembrandt's Girl]

Well, somehow I posted Pahonu's old renderings of the gate house the other day so here are his updated/more detailed renderings. Guess I won't give up my day job!

View from Kalanianaole Hwy...



Entrance/driveway side...



Rear/garage side...

[KENJI]

Again, GREAT work Pahonu and many thanks for posting them RG!

[Rembrandt's Girl]

I just ran across these pics on Instagram of the walls of Pahonu being restored again. It was done in July of this year by a group called the E Alu Pu Network which is a network of more than 25 communities from around Hawaii who support each other in protecting and stewarding the lands and waters of Hawaii. E Alu Pu Means "Move Forward Together".

[Kevster]

Well, that doesn't suck at all!! LOL!!

Nice that they care that much and act upon it. They walls of the enclosure look MUCH BETTER!

Thanks for posting.