Design Create Space

by Anthony Kaauamo

Deborah Rosenblum and Kristi Lowry addressing Lāna‘i paddlers at the Hulopo‘e Bay clinic.

A line of 20 members from the Lāna‘i High & Elementary School (LHES) paddling team sat lengthwise along the edge of the Lāna‘i community swimming pool, their paddles plunging into the chlorinated water, struggling to keep sync with each rhythmic “Hut! Hut!” command that head coach Michelle Fujie-Kaauamo called out. Her voice was steady like a metronome over the slushing and churning sounds. This year’s team, one of the largest in years, included many first-year paddlers. “Hou!” Michelle commanded, signaling the team to turn and face the other direction, their movements echoing her sharp calls.

“I saw them practicing at the pool and immediately felt we could do something to help,” said Deborah Rosenblum, a board member of O‘ahu’s Hui Lanakila Canoe Club and the founder, project manager, and lead architect at Design Create Space. She works alongside Kristi Lowry, who specializes in logistics and procurement at the same firm and serves as the president of Hui Lanakila, focusing on community outreach and engagement. Design Create Space is a Hawai‘i-based boutique firm that provides integrated architectural and interior design. Their portfolio includes works such as the Omantel Headquarters in Oman, the Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i, the modernized Kailua Residence on O‘ahu, and the Four Seasons
Ko ‘Olina Lounge.

The Hōkūao Project

The firm is one of many contractors involved in construction projects on Lāna‘i and has been specifically tied to the Hōkūao Project since 2017. Rosenblum has overseen the project from its initial state as the community gardens to its current development, handling design and function aspects.

Lowry coordinates the weekly material shipments necessary for construction from O‘ahu. “I handle the logistics and shipping of all of the materials that exist within the structure. So, all of the walls, flooring, the cabinets, furniture, all of that kind of stuff. So, we have a warehouse over on O‘ahu, and we have weekly barges. We have space that we bring materials in, and then we have a tent up at the Hōkūao site where we store what we can ... storage here is optimal, right? Space is so limited, so it’s a huge challenge,” Lowry said.

Although Rosenblum did not make the final decisions on Hōkūao’s external colors and materials, she worked to maintain the project’s visual appeal and cultural sensitivity. Of the 18 external color palettes, described to tenants as representing the “Vibrancy of Lāna‘i City,” a few of her initial recommendations were chosen and are now in use.

Rosenblum stressed their dedication to sustainability, specifically in terms of water management: “Hōkūao is off the grid, so we’ve been extremely careful with water usage. The landscaping uses rockscapes and heavy mulching, requiring minimal water, in line with our allocated water use.” As the construction advanced, the frequency of their visits increased. “Initially, our visits were less frequent. But as construction progressed, we began traveling to the island every week to ensure everything runs smoothly.”

Contractor Expectations

Rosenblum and Lowry explained the high expectations placed on visiting contractors, emphasizing the need for respect and alignment with local cultural values. Rosenblum said, “First of all, Pūlama Lāna‘i hand selects the people who come over to work here, and they don’t just let anybody come over.” She added that it’s essential for contractors to understand they are visitors on the island and must act accordingly, saying, “It’s their capability to jive with the community and respect the land and the fact that they’re the visitor onto Lāna‘i.”

Contractors must adhere to strict guidelines for behavior and sign paperwork agreeing to proper conduct, such as minimizing noise and avoiding unauthorized guests. Lowry said, “When we are here, we stay in people’s homes. We commit to guidelines that respect the people who live here.” Rosenblum mentioned that non-compliance is not tolerated, saying, “When things aren’t the right fit, they immediately let them go.”

Paddling Clinic Initiative

After observing the LHES paddling team practice at the community pool, Rosenblum discussed the potential for a collaborative effort with Lowry. Recognizing a great opportunity to contribute, they decided to engage more directly with the team. “For Hui Lanakila, part of our responsibility is to give back to the community,” Lowry said. “When Deb and I started coming to Lāna‘i for work, Deb saw the students at the pool and mentioned it seemed like a missed opportunity. I agreed it was a perfect chance for us to contribute.”

After their conversation, Rosenblum reached out to Michelle with a plan for a paddling clinic. With the goal of improving the team’s abilities and passion for the sport, she invited Byron Martinez, an esteemed coach from Hui Lanakila, to share his expertise with the high school team.

The paddling clinics at Hulopo‘e Bay offered both a chance to learn and an opportunity for cultural exchange. Students learned advanced paddling techniques, emphasizing the importance of synchronization and teamwork — critical aspects of outrigger canoe paddling. “Biggest takeaways? Making sure that they have a solid foundation before working on strength and speed,” said Michelle. “That their timing and technique is good.”

Michelle also valued the feedback from other coaches and paddlers from different islands. “It felt really nice to get confirmation or affirmation from other coaches or other paddlers from another island, that our paddling program is doing a good job at making sure that the students at least have good technique,” she said. The clinics reinforced the idea that regardless of the island, they are all part of a cohesive hui focused on improving students’ skills and teaching the basics.

Michelle Fujie-Kaauamo and Wayne Higaki addressing illegal anchoring in Hulopo‘e Bay.

Protecting Lāna‘i

Rosenblum and Lowry expressed their admiration for the community’s adherence to the rules at Hulopo‘e Beach Park. Rosenblum noted how everyone seemed to know the regulations and acted accordingly. “When we were down here yesterday and that boat came into the bay, everybody knew that they’re not supposed to be there.” On O‘ahu, she observed, “some people would know and some people wouldn’t.”

On the first day of the paddling clinic, a catamaran named “Katana C581” anchored illegally in Hulopo‘e Bay. The bay, designated as a Marine Life Conservation District (MLCD) in 1976, spans 309 acres on Lāna‘i’s southern shore to preserve its rich marine life and coral habitats. In Subzone A, vessels are prohibited from operating, anchoring or mooring to protect the bay’s ecological integrity.

Michelle tried signaling the vessel from shore, but after not getting a response, she chose to recruit Wayne Higaki to take more direct action. They paddled out on a two-man canoe to inform the crew that their presence violated local regulations.

Michelle recounted the situation: “When we got to the catamaran, we told them they’re not supposed to be in here; they said that there’s a lot of wind. And so, I told them there’s a harbor on the other side.” Wayne added, “And then they said that they’re French.”

“We contacted the Department of Land and Natural Resources and let them know that there was a vessel in the bay,” said Michelle.

Lowry appreciated the proactive nature of the Lāna‘i community. “God bless you. And everybody else would just ignore it,” she said, contrasting this with O‘ahu, where people wouldn’t care as much. “Instead of, like, Michelle getting on the canoe and heading out there to tell them, right? So, I love that that’s what your community seems to be about.”