Lahaina, HI - The American Planning Association (APA) today announced the designation of Front Street as one of 10 Great Streets for 2011 under the organization’s Great Places in America program. APA Great Places exemplify exceptional character and highlight the role planners and planning play in creating communities of lasting value.
APA singled out Front Street for its history, amenities, revitalization efforts, and continuous use by multiple generations for a variety of purposes. Its postcard-picture views and mild climate attract tourists and residents to Front Street virtually round the clock.
“The planning success of Front Street is due to years of effective partnerships between non-profit organizations, government leaders and countless community members. With everyone striving to balance Front Street’s historical, cultural and commercial needs we will ensure that this special seaside treasure lives on,” said Maui County Council Member Elle Cochran.
Through Great Places in America, APA recognizes unique and authentic characteristics found in three essential components of all communities – streets, neighborhoods, and public spaces. APA Great Places offer better choices for where and how people work and live every day and are defined by many things including planning efforts, architectural styles, accessibility, and community involvement.
“Natural beauty, history, and community pride have coalesced to create a place that is special – in different ways – to each individual who traverses Front Street’s wide and unique sidewalks,” said APA Chief Executive Officer Paul Farmer, FAICP. “Nearly five decades of preservation and revitalization efforts have uncovered and saved more than 1,300 years of culture and heritage. From its start as the home of Native Hawaiian royalty to its days as a whaling outpost and missionary stronghold, and later a plantation town, to its current status as a tourist attraction, Front Street has embraced its history while accommodating more contemporary uses,” he added. >>> click here for more
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Fire crackers, drum beats, martial arts and lion dancing will kick off Chinese New Year festivities at 5 pm. in Lahaina on Friday, January 27. The New Year will get off to a great start with a blur of strength and grace, as the lion dancers demonstrate kung fu on the lawn of the Baldwin Home Museum. After this free, public performance, the lions will then head North on Front Street visiting shops and restaurants along the way. The Wo Hing Museum will be the final stop, where the lions will bless the temple and set off a grand finale of firecrackers. 
