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Hello Friends and Family, |
Link to this year's index by clicking here. |
Maui on my Mind, Part 4 |
Next we encounter the Old Lahaina Courthouse and Jail. Built in 1860, this structure served as a center for government offices and court functions during the Hawaiian Monarchy. According to the Lahaina Restoration Foundation, it "was built with coral block and other materials that came from Kamehameha III’s unfinished western palace (Hale Piula), which was destroyed during a fierce Kauaula wind." The building was rebuilt with a Greek Revival style in 1925 to what you see today. In the 1970s the Lahaina Civic Center was built and governmental functions moved there. The Courthouse was refurbished in 1998 and management turned it over to the Lahaina Restoration Foundation. The interior now contains a museum and shops. |
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The bell is rung 11 times each evening at 8:00 PM. The first three rings signify the following: The next eight rings represent the Eight-Fold Pathway to Righteousness: |
Next we see the huge statue of Buddha, some 12 feet tall and weighing 3.5 tons. It is one of the largest such statues outside Asia. The statue was cast near Kyoto, Japan which is central to Jodo Shu Buddhism. Interestingly, Maui is home to one of the largest Jodo communities outside Japan. |
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The structure sits among palm and golden shower trees giving it a serene but powerful setting. During the prime blooming season for golden shower trees, the site takes on a magical fantasy appearance with blossoms displaying colors from cream to peach. |
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Last for today is a close-up of a pair of tombstones where you can clearly see the Japanese writing. |
To be continued... |
Life is good. |
Aloha, B. David |
P. S., All photos and text © B. David Cathell Photography, Inc. — www.bdavidcathell.com |