Boulder, Colorado, 1 May, 2003 - Heritage Conservation Network (HCN) moves from Italy to Hawaii for the second in its 2003 series of hands-on building conservation workshops. Following their successful workshop at a small stone chapel in Sicily, the organization will turn its attention to Hulihe'e Palace in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii to assist the Historic Hawaii Foundation and the Daughters of Hawaii with conservation work at the 175-year-old museum building during the week of July 20-26, 2003. 

Hulihe'e Palace, completed in 1836, was built using a number of materials indigenous to Hawaii. The three-foot-thick lava rock walls with lime putty mortar sit on a coral block foundation, and building timbers are koa and 'ohi'a wood. The Palace has been a museum since 1925 and is the site of concerts and other events throughout the year. HCN's workshop participants typically come from a variety of locations, but in this case, says Judith Broeker, HCN's project director, "we are hoping for a strong local turnout since the building is not only significant in Hawaiian history, it plays a major role in contemporary community life." 

Workshop participants will be working under the guidance of renowned Irish stone mason Patrick McAfee to assess problems in the coral rock foundation and repoint lava rock in both the Palace walls and the walls of nearby historic fish ponds. The original kiln used to make lime putty has been located on the neighboring historic estate of the island's first missionary and will be used during the workshop. No prior experience is necessary, just an interest in helping conserve part of Hawaii's heritage. Participants will also have an opportunity to visit Kahikolu and Mokuaikaua Churches to view similar historic building techniques, see other sites with ancient stone work, and visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to see some of the island's natural features. 

The cost of the workshop is US$ 875, which includes lodging, breakfasts and lunches, insurance, and workshop materials. Participants will stay at the Kona Islander Inn within walking distance of the work site and of the restaurants and shops in town. A special rate of US$350 is available for local residents not requiring lodging. Pre-registration is required; registration materials and more workshop details are available from HCN's web site at www.heritageconservation.net or from their office at 1557 North Street, Boulder, Colorado, 80304, USA. Phone +1 303 444 0128, Fax +1 775 320 6837, E-mail workshops@heritageconservation.net. 

Heritage Conservation Network is a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of architectural heritage around the world. Through a network of experts, volunteers and community members, the organization aims to increase awareness of the significance of historic sites and stimulate each community's interest in and knowledge of appropriate conservation skills, thus helping to provide for the long-term preservation of significant structures and sites.