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Earlier this year, the Barbers Point Riding Club was given a
90 day notice to vacate the facility housing their horses. As you can imagine, the announcement caused quite an uproar
within the Hawaiian Community. Despite receiving an extension from Navy Region Hawaii, the uproar has only gained momentum. Local, State, and National Organizations have realized there is more at stake than just a Stable and
are working on a solution to create a win-win scenario for Navy Region Hawaii, the Communities on the Leeward
Coast of Oahu, and the Riding Club's Programs. I'm sharing the History of the Barbers Point Stables! It's a near perfect mix of Paniolos, Military Rodeo, and families
from the Ewa Plains of Oahu!!
**QUICK HIGHLIGHTS** 1. The Barbers Point Riding Club (BPRC) has operated as a Private Organization at
Barbers Point Stables since 1985 (BPRC incorporated in 1993) however the Stable has been in existance since
1960 (possibly earlier). 2.
Therapeutic Horsemanship of Hawaii has partnered with BPRC and offers Riding Lessons open to all members of
the community. Options for housing 50+ horses in the Ewa Plains are slim to none and there are no other riding programs in
the area. 3. The
Revetments (aka Bunkers) housing the horses have Preservation Ratings of CAT I. This is the highest level from a
Historic Preservation Point of View. 4. The
Stables, in and of itself, is Historical. The Stables (Paddocks and Arena) and the Quonset Huts all have CAT II
ratings. They date back to 1960! 5. Special Services Commander (now MWR = Morale Welfare & Recreation),
the late LCDR Wynn Junk, was the first to use the Revetments to shelter horses 50 years ago! They are the PERFECT example
of a current trend and preservation technique known as "Adaptive Reuse". 6. Barbers
Point Stables is the only remaining Rodeo Facility of three that were built on Oahu Military
Installations. MCAS Kaneohe's Truan Arena (opened 1956) and Wheeler Field's Rodeo Arena (opened 1960) have both
been DEMOLISHED. 7. A windshield tour of Kalaeloa (the closed NAS Barbers Point) shows looting
and vandalism on all portions of the old base left vacant. Leaving the Stables
Area vacant would undoubtedly have the same results.
8. Many Community Leaders are preparing
(right now!) a plan for the Preservation of the Stable. This is an ideal venue for Horse Programs for 4-H,
FFA, Scouts, Boys & Girls Club, and much more!
"Adaptive Reuse" The "Cowboy Commander",
LCDR Wynn Junk, repurposed the WWII Revetments (Bunkers) when he began utilizing them as shelters for horses
- 50 years ago!! |
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'Adaptive Reuse': What does this mean? Trends and Issues: Adaptive Reuse can Bring New Life to Old Buildings. Adaptive Reuse
is the process of adapting old structures for purposes other than those initially intended. This preservation technique allows
for new or contemporary uses in a historic structure while preserving the characteristics of the building that make it historic.
While many historic properties can and
do continue to be used as originally built, many have outlived their original purpose. By finding new uses that can be accomodated
in existing buildings, new vibrancy and capital investment can be achieved.
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THIS IS A WORK IN PROGRESS PAGES WILL BE ADDED AS INFORMATION IS GATHERED!
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NAS BARBERS POINT STABLES 1960's!
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NAS BARBERS POINT STABLES 1970's! |
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THREE RODEO ARENAS WERE
BUILT ON OAHU MILITARY
INSTALLATIONS BUT ONLY
ONE REMAINS!! MCAS Kaneohe's Truan Rodeo Arena (built 1956) - DEMOLISHED Wheeler Airfield's 10,000 seat Rodeo Arena (built 1960) - DEMOLISHED & Barbers Point Rodeo Arena and Stable (established 1960) |
Information
& History COMING SOON |
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