Puna in the 1980's

[Rob Tucker]

Rob Tucker


Posted - 09/21/2014 : 16:55:03

Back to the future. South Puna might just go back to 1985.... I can live with that.



mmbvd7

Posted - 09/21/2014 :

Rob, that is the second time I've read a post stating something like that (going back to the way it was in the '80's). What was the area like during that time frame? Yes, I'm a newbie, and I do not have a clue, so that is why I'm asking, so I will understand. Thank you.
(P.S. sorry to derail from the topic, but wanted to find out more information)

Best wishes

[Rob Tucker]

I'll let others speak to that as they may. I was not here in the 1980's. I arrived about 1990.

But...

What attracted me to the area was I saw Puna and Kau as the last broad grasp of old time, laid back Hawaii. In the event that circumstances make south Puna more remote and modern conveniences harder to acquire I believe that life here can and will be more than appreciated by those who appreciate such things.

What says anyone else?

[Andrew]

When I came to Pahoa the only place to buy groceries was Cash and Carry and to a lesser extent Paul's. Paul's was the only gas station. There was an Ono restaurant where Kaleo's (Also Ono) now is called God Mother's which served pretty decent Italian food. The Akebono Theater played old black and white movies and they had living room furniture inside to sit on, couches and over stuffed lounge chairs etc.

Above Akebono's/ Luquins Mexican was an old guy who ran a hotel with a few rooms upstairs that were decorated in a very eclectic style. One of those rooms was called the Mark Twain Suite. He had a giant Macau that sat upstairs where he sat. He and his bird could be found there most days.

[Rob Tucker]

Yeah, I have some tales to tell about the B&W movie nights at the Akebono. Funky fun. That was the town as I found it. Funky but sufficient. I can easily see the Cash & Carry opening again to serve South Puna.

[Wao nahele kane]

Back to the 80's.? I wish, unfortunately the circumstances that discouraged the average person from living in Puna will not return because of the lava flow. Two major factors kept many from seriously considering the area were communications and the other was electricity. Neither of those two hurtles will return when satellite, wireless internet, cellular telephones and solar have advanced as they have and I suspect they won't regress to a pre 90's state because lava comes through.

[Rob Tucker]

Wao, Let's just assume it might and not just rain on the topic.

[leilaniguy]

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.

[punalvr]

Back then they were showing Rocky Horror Picture show!! All dressed up! It was hilarious. Before the Akebono was remodeled.. The good old days!

punalvr

[Wao nahele kane]

Okay... IC, it's a reminiscing thread. Sorry.

[snorkle]

Aku was the lifeguard at Drainpipes. His picture is on the front page of the Tribune Herald this morning.