The new plaque honors the late Sueo “Sammy” Kadotani of Lahaina. PHOTO BY KAREE CARLUCCI.

LAHAINA – Lahaina Restoration Foundation has installed a permanent memorial plaque to honor the late Sueo “Sammy” Kadotani of Lahaina at the Pioneer Mill Co. Smokestack’s Plantation Era exhibit on Lahainaluna Road.

From the renovation and restoration of the Pioneer Mill Co. Smokestack through seven years of planning Lahaina Plantation Days, Kadotani sold more engraved memorial bricks for the smokestack walkway than any other individual.

Because of his efforts, he was nicknamed “Da Brick Man,” and donations from the community were sought to fund a tribute to him at the smokestack exhibit.

Often called the unofficial “Mayor of Lahaina,” Kadotani (1923-2015) held a lifelong passion for his community.

The time and resources he gave to many organizations over the years included the Boy Scouts of America, Maui Chapter; King Kamehameha III Elementary School; Hawaii Community Foundation’s Maui Leadership Council; and Lahaina Restoration Foundation’s Board of Directors.

He was a treasure-trove of information about West Maui’s plantation era and graciously shared his colorful stories with anyone who asked.

Engraved bricks to honor a loved one or a business are still offered for purchase through Lahaina Restoration Foundation.

Printed order forms are available at the smokestack on Lahainaluna Road under the memorial plaque. Bricks can also be ordered online by visiting LahainaRestoration.org/ buy-a-brick or by calling the Lahaina Restoration Foundation office at (808) 661-3262.