WHT at 50: When degrees matter, Parker Ranch Center grand opening set and KONA radio purchase eyed

Wednesday, Nov. 27, 1968 | Volume I, Issue XVII
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Wednesday, Nov. 27, 1968 | Volume I, Issue XVII

ON THE COVER

“A Matter of Degree”

By Jim Langdon

Department of Transportation officials, headed by Dr. Fujio Matsuda, locked horns Monday with a select group of Kona critics on the controversial runway alignment at Keahole Airport. But at the closing of the three-hour session, the gap between the two factions was as wide as before — by about seven degrees to be exact.

And unless some overwhelming new evidence is presented to Matsuda’s office in the next couple of weeks to drastically alter the department’s thinking, the alignment of the runway will be selected between four or five degrees east of due north, as opposed to the so-called 11- or 12-degree alignments strongly favored by the Kona Civic Club, Kona Chamber of Commerce, a number of large landowners and real estate brokers.

The four-degree recommendation centers on the saving of some three or four white sand beaches located north of Keahole Point, but primarily the Makalawena beach site. One closer site, Mahaiula would be lost regardless of alignment.

“Parker Center Opening Set”

No byline

Grand opening ceremonies have been set for the $600,000 Parker Ranch Center with Richard Smart, owner of Parker Ranch, scheduled to give opening remarks. The new center, a first for the North and South Kohala and Hamakua areas, houses a floor space of 28,000 square feet. New stores in the center include Sure Save Super Markets, Ben Franklin, Ron’s of Hawaii Ice Cream Parlor, Bernice’s Florist, Waimea Fabrics and Fashions Shop and the Village Pharmacy.

“KONA Radio Purchase Eyed”

No byline

It may not be long before West Hawaii will have a radio station on the air once again. Father and son duo, Richard E. Jones and Thomas M. Jones, have filed with the Federal Communications Commission for radio station KONA’s license. The application was made Nov. 21 in Washington, D.C. The Jones are currently associated with radio station WQTE in Detroit. Radio station KONA was shutdown Aug. 1 and is presently up for sale by public auction.

OTHER NOTABLE HEADLINES

“One-Way Traffic Okayed”

The recommendation submitted by the Pubic Works Committee Calling for one-way traffic between Palani and Hualalai roads in Kailua Village was approved by the Board of Supervisors last week. By establishing the one-way, southerly traffic pattern, the first phase of the feasibility study on the Kailua traffic situation would be implemented. The study also called for acquisition of land for public parking, coordinating with the soil conservation service on a flood control channel through the village and a parallel parking pattern. The second phase calls for measures implementing a mall.

“Hospital Subsidy Favored”

The Board of Trustees of the Kona Hospital has gone on record favoring the continuation of the state subsidizing the hospital, Kona board chairman Masayuki Kawasaki announced this week. The decision was made at a meeting called to investigate a rate increase requested by Richard M. Frazier, chairman of the Hawaii County Hospital Advisory Council. The hospital operated at a loss of $138,227 in fiscal year 1967-68.

“Freitas Appeals Discharge”

Former policeman Charles Freitas of Kona appealed his discharge to the Third Circuit Court. Freitas, naming Hawaii County Police Chief Anthony Paul and the County Police Commission as defendants, is asking that he be reinstated with all lost pay and allowances. Freitas was suspended from the police department on July 27 and discharged Aug. 10 after he was indicted by a grand jury on a rape charge stemming from a complaint by a 19-year-old visitor from California. Freitas previously asked the commission for a hearing, but the commission ruled that no further action would be taken.

Weekly deals:

Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner featuring roast young tom turkey and all the trimmings, at The Marlin Room at Hotel King Kamehameha, $5.

At Sure Save Super Markets: S&W walnuts and almonds, one pound for $0.58; D’Anjou pears, four pounds for $0.88; Wilson’s BBQ Spareribs, one pound for $0.59; Armour Star bacon, one pound for $0.69; Oscar Meyer franks, one pound for $0.63; Hormel SPAM, 12 ounce can for $0.45; and C&H Sugar, 10 pounds for $0.97.

At Kamigaki Store: Darigold butter, one pound for $0.79; one dozen medium island eggs, $0.53; Kraft sliced cheese, 16 slices for $0.69; and Patti Jean chicken thighs, two pounds for $1.05.

Featured films:

At Kona Theatre: Sean Connery in “Shalako,” Alan Arkin starring in “Inspector Clouseau” and Kojiro Hongo in “Two Bodyguards.” For adults only, “The Satanist” and “Seduction By The Sea.”

At Aloha Theatre: “Petula” featuring Julie Christie and George C. Scott, “Salt and Pepper” starring Sammy Davis Jr. and Peter Lawford and “Disorderly Orderly” with Jerry Lewis and Glenda Farrell.