Now & Again

With 50 years behind it, Hawaii Business looks back and looks ahead

1991 Dialing 1-800-SUMO

The popularity of televised sumo may have subsided in Hawaii since this 1991 ad. Home to the majority of successful American rikishi (sumo wrestlers) of the past, Hawaii was the stomping ground for local guys Takamiyama, Akebono and Musashimaru, before they headed overseas to compete in Japan. As they entered the relatively unknown world of sumo, we tuned in to watch. And, it appears they had a talent that deserved a little attention. Maui native Jesse Kuhaulua was the first American to enter sumo wrestling post World War II. He later trained Akebono, a Waimanolo native, who became the first non-Japanese national yokozuna (grand champion) of sumo. In 1999, Musashimaru became the second foreign-born yokozuna and had an impressive career, winning more times than he lost.

Although this traditional Japanese sport may not have caught the attention of the rest of America, as a community, Hawaii tuned in to see how our boys were doing. Two years ago, we showed the same spirit as we cheered on Mililani native Jasmine Trias on “American Idol.”

In the decade or so between running this ad and casting our votes on “American Idol,” TV shows have come and gone. We wish some would return and question the popularity of others (remember “Dallas”?). However, in the midst of all the change, one thing remains true: In Hawaii, we support one another — the television ratings prove it.

1966 Why People Invest In Real Estate

In this 1966 ad, Waipahu Industrial Acres sold for $2.25 per square foot. Today, according to Colliers Monroe Friedlander Inc., this industrial land, which sits between Fort Weaver Road and Waikele Road on Farrington Highway, sells for about $40 to $45 per square foot.

“Waikiki is trying to avoid decline and be globally competitive, and it probably has only a 10-year window of opportunity to do so. There are mega-resorts going up that are learning from our mistakes.” -Christina Kemmer, president of the Waikiki Improvement Association in Hawaii Business 1991.

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