Page 3 - MidWeek West - July 20, 2022

JULY 20, 2022 3
A gainst the new homes built in ‘Ewa and Kapolei, ‘Ewa Villages almost feels like an anachronism — something easily mistaken as a remnant of the bygone era of sugar plantations. But upon deep- er examination, the ‘Ewa Plains have a proud and rich tradition of farming. While it is true that the original ‘Ewa Plantation produced sugar, its dedication to its workers and their families means that there is also a proud tradition of growing families on the ‘Ewa Plains. It is for these reasons that I would like to shine the
Second City Spotlight on the 130th anniversary of the ‘Ewa Plantation.
our community of ‘Ewa Vil- lages celebrated 130 years of the ‘Ewa Plantation at ‘Ewa Mahiko Park. Kerry Bise kindly shared stories of small- kid times when the children of plantation workers would go to the gym and families would enjoy the carnival on Labor Day. Stan Tamashiro, principal of ‘Ewa Elementary — one of the oldest schools in Hawai‘i — shared pictures of every graduating class from the school. The pride of our ‘Ewa Villages residents ema- nates when you speak to any of them. Kūpuna of this com- munity are always willing to
share the rich history and sto- ries with a listening ear.
cilmember Augie Tulba and state Sen. Kurt Fevella all sharing in the festive event. City Councilmember Ron Menor and I were honored to serve as co-grand marshals.
STATE REP. SHARON HAR
‘Ewa Plantation Celebrates 130th Anniversary
The ‘Ewa Plantation Co. had its first harvest in 1892 and remained in operation until it was bought out in 1971 by the O‘ahu Sugar Co. During operations, ‘Ewa Plantation Co. constructed more than 1,200 residences in eight distinct “camps,” which are referred to as ‘Ewa Villag- es. The ‘Ewa Plantation was more than just a place to live for its workers and families, but an entire community to support them. Renton Road was a place where the com-
The ‘Ewa Plantation Singers serenade with soulful tunes, celebrating 130 years of the ‘Ewa Plantation.
PHOTO COURTESY THE OFFICE OF SHARON HAR
munity gathered for events such as the annual Christmas parade and carnival. ‘Ewa School, the gym and the ‘Ewa Health Center were all staples.
I was honored to meet Fil- ipino women from the ‘Ewa Plantation Singers. Their ages range from 65 to 94 years old, and they have per- formed throughout the years for every plantation party and community celebration, harmonizing and serenad- ing their soulful tunes. Tiny Tadani served as master of ceremonies. Deputy manag- ing director Sam Moku was on hand to present the plan- ning committee with a proc- lamation from Mayor Rick Blangiardi, with city Coun-
It seems that the idea of the Second City is not all that new. Kapolei and ‘Ewa are only a continuation of some- thing that started 130 years ago. The sugar is gone, but we continue to use these fertile plains to grow our families.
On March 12 of this year,
Contact state Rep. Sharon Har (D-42: Kapolei, Maka- kilo) at 808-586-8500 or rephar@capitol.hawaii.gov.
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