Hilo Historic Site Survey : the "Dongji - chon" Charcoal Kiln site (est. 1928)
The 960-acre Dongji Village was established under the leadership of Dr. Syngman Rhee in 1926, aiming to improve economic conditions for those who left sugar plantations to farm and to raise stock by clearing ohia forest. Dr. Rhee envisioned a charcoal-making community aimed at securing the "funds" necessary for liberation of Korea at the time. Between 1925 and 1931, the Big Island was a hub for economic experiments for Korean independence. The charcoal project faced great hardships and the land was auctioned off in 1933,this charcoal kiln is the only remaining industrial plant developed by the early Korean immigrants in Hawaii.
