09-21-2014, 02:16 PM
First got here in 1989. Paradise West was the restaurant where Sukothai is now, then Da store, next the Gym, then the bar. Seems like all the shops down to where Kaleo's is now was occupied, I bought something at an antique shop in that dumpy building right next to Kaleo's and it was shaky even back then. Steve Avery ran Pahoa Battery & Propane even back then. I remember Walt Yamaguchi ran Walter's Kalapana drive-in and store, alway's had an extra gallon of gas for anyone in need- for a nice price. Walt apparently believed that nobody should drive more than 25 MPH, got his stock and supplies in his old Chevy wagon and always had a following- at least 10 cars. The freaky people were all there then too, but not near so many. .. and oh yeah, permits? We don't need no stink'en permits.