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Mai Kai in bad shape following Wilma |
bigbrotiki
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Mar 25, 2002
Posts: 10562
From: Tiki Island, above the Silverlake
|  Posted: 2005-10-26 11:23 am Permalink
Let's hope the Mai Kai will have the financial reserves (and internal impetus) to renovate, with the 50th coming up being it's inspiration.
And thank the weather gods for waiting until AFTER the Hukilau this time! A pretty close call....I am sure a second strike would have meant the out for Kiliki, as it did for Swanky.
Tiki culture is still a rather frail thing, and can't take double blows like that.
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theARTFINK
Tiki Centralite
Joined: Jun 02, 2002
Posts: 40
From: behind the green door
| Posted: 2005-10-26 11:48 am Permalink
I live right down the street from the Mai Kai.
after checking my house and neighborhood I ventured
over to the Mai Kai. They Got slapped around a bit.
unfortunatly the front of the building was lying
in the middle of U.S. 1. I moved some of the peices
off the road so they would'nt get run over. I took
some pictures which I will try to get up later
today. I'm sure it looks worse than it really is.
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tiki_kiliki
Grand Member (first year) 
Joined: Apr 01, 2002
Posts: 989
From: Hamtown USA
| Posted: 2005-10-26 12:08 pm Permalink
Pablus,
I've tried to get in touch with everyone from the Cabana but cell phone usage is down for the most part. We were to have a meeting today actually.
I can tell you that things are not good down there. I've been told not to return until Sunday at the soonest. I'm bringing lots of gasoline with me for Chip and Andy and a lot of water. I'm thankful that I have a station wagon!! I'm more thankful that I wasn't in the middle of that storm.
I talked with my landlord just a few minutes ago and everything is good. She says there is water damage to my apartment but not extensive.
I'll also try to call Pia soon and see if she had any further information on the Mai Kai. I'm not even sure that she had made it back to Florida yet.
_________________
Yee-Haw & Aloha,
The Hukilau
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KuKuAhu
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Dec 23, 2002
Posts: 567
From: Kahiki, Ohio
| Posted: 2005-10-26 3:50 pm Permalink
Here are pics of the Mai Kai in the F.O.M. galleries courtesy of the ArtFink:
http://www.fraternalorderofmoai.org/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=65
Thank you Hoffa, I know that a lot of folks are concerned about the place and all of you down there.
Ahu
[ This Message was edited by: KuKuAhu 2005-11-07 11:33 ]
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Basement Kahuna
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Oct 14, 2002
Posts: 3587
From: Jawja Province, Isle of North America
| Posted: 2005-10-26 4:45 pm Permalink
Man...that...just breaks my heart. I know it was all probably insured but the good folks there, not the least being my good friend Kern, will have a lot of digging to do for the very, very specialized contractors that handle the bamboo and tapa work, thatched roofing, molded fiberglass signage, tiki repair, tropical plants, etc. It's a tough go in today's world. If there is anything I can do for the Mai Kai I'm here. It is my all-time favorite place on Earth.
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Tikiwahine
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Apr 09, 2003
Posts: 3288
From: Ontario, Canada
| Posted: 2005-10-26 4:53 pm Permalink
Those pictures were really hard to look at, I hope everything goes smoothly and any costs are recouped quickly.
The world without the Mai Kai would be a different place indeed.
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tiki_kiliki
Grand Member (first year)
Joined: Apr 01, 2002
Posts: 989
From: Hamtown USA
| Posted: 2005-10-26 4:58 pm Permalink
Just to let you guys know, I know this looks bad and it is, but the picture is the hut that was in front, just outside the windows of the Molokai Bar. Pia says that the inside is fine. I plan to also be there when I get back to assist in the cleanup. Right now I think everyone is waiting until the power is restored in that area to get around.
Hoffa, I sent you a private message - check it out.
_________________
Yee-Haw & Aloha,
The Hukilau
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mrsmiley
Grand Member (8 years) 
Joined: Apr 03, 2002
Posts: 3153
From: Las Vegas, NV
| Posted: 2005-10-26 5:07 pm Permalink
Quote:
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On 2005-10-26 16:53, Tikiwahine wrote:
Those pictures were really hard to look at, I hope everything goes smoothly and any costs are recouped quickly.
The world without the Mai Kai would be a different place indeed.
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I offer a three cheers salute;
1- to a repaired and fixed Mai-Kai
2- to their 50th anniversary
3- to Kiliki for throwing such great events that give them the money to survive through these hard times!
Hip Hip Hooray!!!!!
_________________
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TRADER VIC'S, Vintage, Vegas & more on EBAY 1957SPUTNIK
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If you like it, it is ZAZZ! If you don't it is RAZZ!
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Chief Lapu Lapu
Tiki Centralite
Joined: Dec 16, 2004
Posts: 40
From: The Room of the Gods, Maine
| Posted: 2005-10-26 5:23 pm Permalink
Thanks ArtFink for the photos... this is truly a sad moment. The images seem almost surreal in that many of us were just there having the time of our lives at Hukilau. The place was alive with all of us. Echoes of Martin Denny, music, celebration, dance.. mystery drinks. Now it lies silent and broken. Here's looking toward the Mai Kai's 50th anniversary with thatched roof intact. (raise your Yeoman's Grog now)
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pablus
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Jul 23, 2003
Posts: 2146
From: www.crazedmugs.com
| Posted: 2005-10-26 6:52 pm Permalink
Yeah BK, I wonder where you could find skilled artisans and people who are in the know about the history and influences behind the Mai Kai? 
I'd say Kern could assemble an army with one post here.
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tiki_kiliki
Grand Member (first year)
Joined: Apr 01, 2002
Posts: 989
From: Hamtown USA
| Posted: 2005-10-26 8:05 pm Permalink
I'll be going by this weekend. I'm hoping my power is on by Saturday but they're saying November 15th, and the water should be safe by that time as well.
_________________
Yee-Haw & Aloha,
The Hukilau
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donhonyc
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Jan 13, 2003
Posts: 1173
From: The Quiet EAST Village
| Posted: 2005-10-26 8:06 pm Permalink
Quote:
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This is probably a dumb question but do they have insurance?
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I would find it very hard to believe if they didn't have some kind of weather damage/hurricane damage insurance. I'm sure they have a variety of policies that not only insure them for things like this but also if a customer gets injured on the premises, the employees get injured, and so forth.
Those pictures don't look so good. The bad news is that the Mai Kai got a bit of a beating. The good news is that it wasn't completely destroyed, and that wasn't out of the realm of possibility. I'm just grateful that it didn't happen that way. But look, these guys aren't new to this. This may be the worst it's ever been, but I'm sure they will bounce back just fine. Christie I think that's a great idea that you are going to volunteer to go down and help with the clean-up. The Mai Kai is not only a very cool place, it's a significant part of Ft. Lauderdale history. If I was living down there, I would totally be there helping out as well. In fact the next time I'm down I have to buy you a couple at the Molokai Bar. 
Speaking of Ft. Lauderdale history did the Gateway Theater make it through this thing ok? I have a feeling that that very retro looking marquee they have might be damaged. If anybody swings by there and sees how it is please post it. After all, it IS the theater they premiered "Where the Boys Are" in 1960.
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TikiGardener
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Mar 24, 2002
Posts: 1359
From: 1st website dedicated to Tiki Gardens
| Posted: 2005-10-26 8:44 pm Permalink
I know this may sound morbid, but all of the pieces of Mai Kai that can't be reused in the reconstruction, could be auctioned off to help with the rebuilding. The fake tapa facade, stuff like that, I'd want a piece of in a frame on my wall. If they don't want to go that route, could I ask for a piece?
Ask them what they'd like. Donations? Volunteer time anytime I'm in Florida?
I hope they get back on their feet. And soon!!!
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Karbora
Grand Member (5 years) 
Joined: Oct 11, 2005
Posts: 103
From: Orlando, Florida
| Posted: 2005-10-26 9:40 pm Permalink
Christy-
I would like to volunteer my time to assist with the clean up effort at the Mai Kai and any other TCers that need a hand. We were lucky here in Central Florida on this one. So many awesome friends helped me through the devastation of last summer, I would like to pay it back. Trust me, I am an expert at this point when it comes to hauling, chopping and cleaning....and I have a few extra blue tarps lying around as well. Please PM me with details on the work effort and I am there. At least the weather is a little more tolerable this time around which is critical when there is that pesky lack of modern conveniences that follows such an event.......hang in there....
Karbora from Hurricaine Alley
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tikivixen
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Aug 28, 2002
Posts: 724
From: Vallejo CA
| Posted: 2005-10-26 9:51 pm Permalink
BK, I think the alternate name for Tiki Central is "The Mai Kai Army." Somehow I think Kern and the family will have a LOT of passionately devoted, dedicated and knowledgeable help coming their way the split second they're ready for it.
Heck, if I were in Florida I'd be there carefully stashing bits, covering things, cuddling plants and wounded tikis...and glowering menacingly at any suspiciously looterish loiterers. The Mai Kai has some serious guardians and it always will.
I keep repeating to myself "Pia says the inside is fine" over and over. Looking at those pictures hurt. The Mai Kai is my favorite place on earth too--has been since the first moment I drove by on US 1 and felt my heart just about stop. In the midst of that bland, sterile modern commercial landscape...suddenly...a lush, blooming oasis of warmth, heart and spirit. What an incredible place.
We will be there cheering for that 50th anniversary. The Tiki Party to end all Tiki Parties!!! It WILL happen.
Mai Kai forever,
tikivixen
p.s. TG, your idea seems more reverent than morbid. Which is entirely appropriate. Me, I just can't bear the thought of anything from the Mai Kai being...agghh...thrown away.
[ This Message was edited by: tikivixen 2005-10-26 21:52 ]
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