Pictured by Lahaina’s historic waterfront, a group from Kaunoa Senior Services takes a break during the “History With Our Kupuna” tour.

LAHAINA – Celebrate the 50th anniversary of Lahaina Restoration Foundation (LRF) at its 49th Annual Meeting on Saturday, April 28, from 8:30 to 11 a.m. at the historic Pioneer Mill Company Smokestack.

Following registration at 8:30 a.m., the program will begin with a short business meeting led by President David Allaire.

A blessing by Rev. Earl Kukahiko will precede a breakfast buffet prepared by Captain Jack’s Island Grill, Maui Grown Coffee and Tropic Water. The menu includes an omelet and waffle station, breakfast meats and sausages, scrambled eggs, pastries, fruits, breakfast potatoes and Maui Grown Coffee.

LRF will pay tribute to docent Millie Kahahane, as she retires after 44 years of service and dedication to Lahaina’s legacy. The Free Church of Tonga’s Youth Choir will perform some of her favorite songs during the event.

The foundation’s 2012 scholarships will be awarded to 17 graduating seniors and alumni of Lahainaluna High School, and LRF Executive Director Theo Morrison will speak on 2011’s achievements and goals set for 2012.

The meeting is a great opportunity to view the third phase of the commemorative brick path surrounding the smokestack. Installation of the fourth phase is already in progress. It’s not too late to be a part of Lahaina’s history, so be sure to “Buy a Brick” for the fifth phase of the smokestack walkway.

Tickets are $20. Reservations and payment are required in advance; call Karin at 661-3262.

In related news, LRF shared Lahaina’s rich history with Maui senior citizens on April 17 through its program called “History With Our Kupuna.”

More than 20 people with Kaunoa Senior Services attended the foundation’s second year program providing a customized free history tour for seniors.

Coordinated by LRF’s Community Education Committee, the program is one of three history tours offered to the community.

The foundation also gives new teachers (“History In Our Back Yard”) and Lahaina merchants (“History In Our Front Yard”) walking tour orientations that explore the rich history of the community in which they work and live.

“Following last year’s positive response, we have again reached out to our community’s seniors to provide them with another educational tour this year,” stated Lahaina Restoration Foundation Board Member and Committee Chair Andy Kutsunai.

The seniors traveled through 16 of Lahaina’s historic sites and museums, mostly on foot led by both Kutsunai and fellow Board Member Karee Carlucci.

At Malu-ulu-o-lele Park and Kamehameha Iki Park, representatives from the Friends of Moku’ula and Hui O Wa’a Kaulua shared their knowledge and discussed current projects of restoration.

Other stops included the Waiola Churchyard, Lahaina Hongwanji Mission, Hale Pa’ahao (Old Prison), various Lahaina harbor-front sites, Baldwin Home Museum, Plantation Life Museum at The Wharf Cinema Center, and the Pioneer Mill site at the restored smokestack.

Attendees expressed their appreciation of the history shared.

One senior noted, “The tour was terrific. Thanks to Lahaina Restoration Foundation.” Another added, “Knowing more about the places visited gives one a better appreciation of the history of Lahaina.”

Many said they were anxious to share the information with their family and friends.

The foundation’s Community Education Committee thanked everyone who attended, as well as partners and organizations for their assistance in making the tour possible.

Transportation, refreshments and lunch were provided by Kaunoa Senior Services, and all tour visits were arranged through the foundation.