WHT at 50: ‘Cooling off’ period for Milolii-Navy dispute over bombing range; Alii one-way considered

Wednesday, March 19, 1969 | Volume II, Issue XI
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Wednesday, March 19, 1969 | Volume II, Issue XI

ON THE COVER

“Milolii-Navy Dispute Cools”

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A 30-day “cooling off” period is now in effect for the fishermen of Milolii, as a result of a confrontational meeting this week with Rear Admiral F. E. Bacutis, Commander, Hawaii Sea Frontier, Honolulu.

Attending the meeting were 24 fishermen and Milolii Association members, the admiral, and Moses Hanohano, representing the Mayor’s Office. The meeting allowed both sides to express their views on the practice of bombing, which has gone on for the last 10 years, periodically, just off the shores of the South Kona village.

The villagers have asked the Navy to relocate its practice bombing range because it cuts into their available fishing days at an average of about five days per month. Fishing constitutes the entire economy of the small village.

The Navy has said that the range is vital to the training of its fighter pilots and is in the interest of the nation’s security.

After Monday’s hour-long presentation by both the Navy and the residents, both sides were deadlocked as to a solution to the problem with half the villagers in favor of sticking to their demand that the Navy relocate its bombing range while the other half was favorable to a sit down with the Navy to work out a compromise.

Because of the deadlock, the villagers agreed to establish a 30-day cooling off period to consider the possible alternatives. They will meet again on April 17 in an effort to plot a course of action.

“Bay Plan Meets Opposition”

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A preview to the kind of opposition the state is likely to encounter as it moves forward with a proposal for the controlled development of Kealakekua Bay was provided last week when Lt. Gov. Tom Gill came to Kona to present his case to a group of about 30 private landowners, most within the designated area of the proposed state project.

Representing the landowners, all of whom are opposed to the state plan, was Merril Carlsmith, Hilo attorney. He said his clients included W.H. Greenwell, Fred Richards, William Paris, Sidney J. Weinrich as well as several smaller landowners in the area.

Max S. Doty, University of Hawaii marine biologist, gave a capsulized report on the scientific study of the bay recently concluded by a team of marine life and ecology experts.

The crux of the issues is the landowner’s contention that they will suffer severe economic hardship through either condemnation or restrictions regarding the potential development of their lands.

The state plan would convert the Kealakekua Bay area into a “living museum” complete with historic and recreational facilities. A public hearing is set for Friday.

“One-Way Street”

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A plan detailing the conversion of Alii Drive in downtown Kailua into a one-way street has been released by County Engineer Ed Harada.

The one-way conversion of Alii Drive will be from the Hotel King Kamehameha to Hualalai Road, with traffic heading in one direction toward Keauhou.

Area merchants and agencies who will be affected are being notified this week. Implementation is set for April 1.

OTHER NOTABLE HEADLINES

“Mauna Kea Beach Hotel Stages Authentic Hukilau”

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About 350 Mauna Kea Beach Hotel guests and Big Island residents rounded up hundreds of pounds of fish last week in an authentic Hawaiian hukilau. Though no official weigh-in occurred, the fish, which were mostly weke and oio, totaled several hundred pounds, according to Bob Butterfield, the hotel’s general manager.

Big Islander Alika Cooper, a veteran fisherman, was the hukilau leader. He had the help of six other trained fishermen, two big Hawaiian koa canoes, 50 Big Island residents and about 300 hotel guests.

The event opened with a traditional drum beating and blowing of the conch shell. Nets were put in place about 300 yards off from the Mauna Kea’s crescent-shaped sandy beach. The hukilau last about two hours.

A hukilau, in the early days, was a social fishing party of Hawaiian fishermen and villagers. It was a “group” fishing effort in which trained fishermen joined forces with villages to surround and capture schools of fish.

“$10 Million Motel-Condominium Complex Scheduled For Waimea”

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Plans are underway for a $10 million motel-condominium complex in Waimea. Waimea Development Co. has purchased 10 acres on Mamalahoa Highway, across from Waimea School, and will develop the Kamuela Downtown Business Center.

The development calls for a 120-room motel and condominiums making a total of 200 units. Shops, restaurant-bar facilities and a museum depicting the 150-year history of Waimea will also be built.

Weekly deals:

At Kamigaki Market: Tasty Bird chicken thighs, two pounds for $1.15; 20-ounce Hunt’s catsup, two for $0.69; and Campbell’s soup, five for $0.79.

At K. Taniguchi Super Markets (KTA Super Stores): Hawaiian all-purpose flour, five pounds for $0.55; and Coca Cola, eight pack of 6.5-ounce glass bottles for $0.59.

At Oshima Store: Hills Bros. coffee, two pounds for $1.59; Skill power saw, 6.5-inch blade, $36.95; and 100 vitamin B-12 tablets for $2.19.

At J. Kitagawa and Co. Ltd.: 1967 Ford Falcon station wagon for $1,888; 1968 Pontiac Firebird hardtop for $2,895; and a 1960 Dodge Eight for $249.

At Sure Save Super Markets: Hawaii-grown romaine lettuce, one pound for $0.19; EV-CO frozen dungeness crabs, one pound for $0.65; and 15-ounce bottle of VO-5 Shampoo for $0.75.

Featured films:

At Kona Theater: “Riot” starring Jim Brown and Gene Hackman and John Wayne in “The Green Berets.” For adults only, “Phillip and Marie,” “To Turn A Trick” and “File X For Sex.”

At Aloha Theatre: Elizabeth Taylor and Mia Farrow starring in “Secret Ceremony;” “The Swimmer” featuring Janice Rule and Burt Lancaster and “A Twist of Sand” with Honor Blackman and Richard Johnson.