Post #329775 by Chip and Andy on Sun, Sep 2, 2007 7:35 PM

On 2007-09-02 11:37, tikiyaki wrote:
... "Historic Landmark" status ? ...

An excellent idea and one that would benefit many a building here in south florida.

BUT! And this is a big but...

Historic Designation is the WORST thing that could happen to the Mai Kai. Well, to any business really.

The designation is more appropriate for examples of archetecture, or a home that someone famous lived in, that kind of thing. If the Mai-Kai were to be listed as Historic, an oversight board run by the local goverment would have to be consulted for every little thing that was done in/to/around the place. It would mean calling a meeting with the review board and applying for a permit to do anything down to changing a bathroom faucet that was dripping. And that is only a slight exageration. I know because I work for said local government and I know most of the people on the Historic Board (most of them are idiots, by the way).

The only way to 'Save' places like the Mai Kai is to GO to places like the Mai Kai. Filling the seats in the bar, bringing as many friends to do the same as often as possible, that is how you save places likes this. As long as we keep going to the Mai Kai and enjoying the Mai Kai, and more importantly recommending the Mai Kai to anyone and everyone who even thinks about going to South Florida (this means you to everyone not already in South Florida), the place will be there for us.

Long story short (too late) If you are not going to the Mai Kai regularly, or regularly recommending it to others, you are not helping. Go there, tell others, it is the only way to keep places like this open. This is true of any tiki establishment, not just the Mai Kai.

OK, I will step off of my soap box and return this thread to it regularly scheduled broadcast.....

Pablus, it was great seeing you at the Jetsetter. Glad you got to see it, wish there could have been more ohana there to share the heat.