Maui Fires - Raise Funds for Historic Pioneer Inn

Intro:

My name is Hailey Lennon and my family has owned and operated the Pioneer Inn since the 1980s. My grandfather was devoted to its restoration and our family has lovingly maintained it for 41 years. We are devastated by the damage in Lahaina and the future for the hotel and our employees is uncertain.

Built in 1901, the Pioneer Inn was the oldest continually operating hotel in Hawaii and a local landmark. It was among the thousands of businesses and homes completely destroyed in the fires that engulfed Lahaina on August 8th, killing at least 115 people, a tally that is expected to rise once the entire area is searched.

Our family is reeling for what this means for our business and our employees. We hope to rebuild but are currently sorting out insurance and legal rights to do so. We hope to rebuild but are currently sorting out insurance and legal rights to do so. Funds will be used towards legal fees and building costs to rebuild the hotel. Lee Ann Wong has established a GoFundMe for the employees.

Pioneer Inn History:

Pioneer Inn was constructed at the dawn of the 20th century, in which the United States had started to emerge as a global superpower.

One of the nine contributing buildings that constitute the Lahaina Historic District, the Pioneer Inn has been among Maui’s most prestigious destinations since the early 20th century. Originally built in 1901 by George Alan Freeland, the Pioneer Inn debuted as a first-class destination for travelers passing through the island. The Pioneer Inn was also the first lodging to ever open in the community of Lahaina. When Freeland constructed the building, he used Hawaiian Plantation-style architecture as the source of his inspiration. This was done so those visiting Maui could experience the island’s rich historical past. Freeland even added a movie theater that featured a massive organ, which one of his children regularly played for guests.

During the 1980s, Howard Lennon of Dallas, Texas, managed to acquire the lease to the Pioneer Inn. He then immediately began an expansive series of renovations that both modernized the inn, and preserved its historical integrity. Lennon’s family continued to operate the location over the next several decades, even as the Pioneer Inn joined the Best Western Hotels & Resorts in 1997.