Wednesday, March 12, 1969 | Volume II, Issue X
ON THE COVER
“Milolii Calls For Immediate Halt To Bombing”
By Jim Langdon
The fishermen of Milolii have learned a lesson from the long, drawn out proceedings of the Paris Peace Talks. And they’ve decided they want no part in peaceful negotiations with the U.S. Navy. Instead, they have called for an immediate withdrawal of U.S. fighter pilots from the open skies above their village, and an immediate halt to the practice bombing raids that have cut into their vital fishing of the tranquil waters off Milolii.
The formal action to this effect came Monday night at a meeting of the Milolii Association, when the village elected to draft a letter to be sent to Rear Admiral F. Bacutis, commander Hawaiian Sea Frontier, Pearl Harbor, calling for a complete change of the present bombing site.
The feud between Milolii and the Navy is not new. The village first took its complaints to the mayor and the Navy in 1964 when the bombing runs were initiated. At the time, the Navy assured villagers that it would give ample warning for bombing practices in the area; but now, the association said, the “bombing seems to come at a time when fish prices are at their peak” and within the best fishing grounds.
And, it’s not only the loss of fishing, but also the proximity of the falling bombs. The fishermen say that the new bombs — in their words “a new kind dropped form a high altitude and accompanied by a lightning-like flash” — are falling as close as a mile-and-a-half from the village proper. The fishermen feel that there is already enough bombing going on in the vicinity of the island, considering Pohakuloa and Kahoolawe military operations.
“Alii One-Way Set For April 1”
No byline
County Engineer Ed Harada, who is working out plans for implementation of one-way traffic on Alii Drive, says the traffic pattern could go into effect, at least from King Kamehameha Hotel to Hualalai Road, by April 1.
One-way traffic will run from north-t0-south, of from the King Kam to Keauhou. The resolution to make a portion of Alii Drive one-way was passed last month by the County Council. It is one of eight reforms geared to the eventual mall for Kailua. Parallel parking will probably be available on both sides of the road, and congestion should be eased, Harada said.
“Kona Stampede Rodeo Gets Underway Saturday”
No byline
Odelia Kuuleialoha will reign over the annual rodeo sponsored by the Kona-Kau Roping Club on Saturday. About 120 cowboys from all the islands, including the 1968 state champions, will be participating in this year’s rodeo. August Loando will be the arena director.
Events for the day include bronco riding, bareback riding, bull riding, and calf and steer roping. There’ll also be a goating tying event for the little ones.
“K. Puhi Is Viet Casualty”
No byline
Lance Corporal Keith J. Puhi, 19 was the second Big Islander to be killed in Vietnam in 1969. He was killed last Thursday in an explosion at Dong Ha Combat Base in Quant Tri Province.
It was the Big Island’s 22nd person to die in the Vietnam War and the state’s 178th casualty.
Born in Kohala, Puhi attended school in Kohala, Kamehameha School for Boys in Honolulu and Konawaena. He is survived by his mother and stepfather, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Waiwaiole of Holualoa, and a brother, Frank Puhi, or Waimea.
Puhi had served in the Marine Corps for 1.5 years.
OTHER NOTABLE HEADLINES
“Dolphin’s Rise”
No byline
Developer Pat Patterson’s controversial Dolphin condominium has apparently cleared its final legal hurdle. The sole remaining obstacle was removed last week when the County Council voted 5-4 to see the public sewer easement on the site of the proposed seven-story structure.
At nearby, Mokuaikaua Church, The Rev. Henry K. Boshard, has pledged to continue the fight against high-rise development of the area.
“Sheraton-Kona Groundbreaking Slated”
No byline
Groundbreaking is planned for the first of the Sheraton-Kona in June. It will be first Sheraton Hotels on the Big Island.
The new, seven-story hotel will be located on a 16-acre parcel at the head of Keauhou Bay, adjacent to the 18-hole, 7,600-yard, par 72 golf course and next to the center of activity of the Keauhou development. A nine-hole executive golf course is also planned.
The first phase will include a structure with 350 rooms and a core of elite, tourist-oriented shops. It is expected to be completed within two years. It will also feature two dining rooms, two cocktail lounges, and banquet facilities for 400 persons.
Weekly deals:
At Sure Save Super Markets: One-half gallon Meadow Gold milk for $0.59 and cooked octopus, $0.63 per pound.
At Kamigaki Store: Libby’s tomato juice, two 46-ounce containers for $0.79 and A1 spaghetti, 12 ounces for $0.25.
Featured films:
At Aloha Theatre: Don Knotts stars in “The Incredible Mr. Limpet” and “Hot Millions” with Peter Ustinov and Maggie Smith.
At Kona Theatre: Walt Disney’s “Swiss Family Robinson” and Richard Basehart in “Women Of Nazi Germany.”