Millennium Moments
Today, the Hawaiian Railway Society in Ewa preserves remnants of the once-prestigious Oahu Railway & Land Co. Rails across Oahu
In its heyday, OR&L was so prominent that its private car, built for its Dillingham family owners in 1890, hosted U.S. President William Taft on a ride to Haleiwa, says "Stepping Into Time: A Guide to Honolulu's Historic Landmarks" by Jeannette Murray Peek.
Bringing in Hawaii's first steam shovel to build his dream, Benjamin F. Dillingham's OR&L laid its first track of steel rails in August 1889. By year's end, miles of track stretched from Iwilei along Honolulu's docks to Aiea; by 1890, they reached Pearl City; by 1898, to Waianae; and by 1899, to Kahuku.
Integral to the railway's success -- and vision -- was the agricultural boom, and Dillingham's plantation developments would come to include the Ewa Plantation Co., Kahuku Plantation Co., Oahu Sugar Co., and Waialua Agricultural Co., says Peek. From nine sugar plantations throughout Oahu in 1895, OR&L hauled almost all their produce into Honolulu. And when James Dole's pineapple plantations started flourishing in Wahiawa, Dillingham built a track there, too.
Development of Pearl Harbor and Schofield Barracks brought more passenger service, and during World War II, the railway was used steadily for transport.
But the advent of motorized vehicles spelled the end for the railroads.
On Dec. 12, 1947, operation outside of Honolulu ceased, says Peek, and soon, even runs within Honolulu stopped.
In 1974, the railroad stretch between West Loch and Lualualei Ammunition Depot was placed on both the State and National Registers of Historic Places.
Paniolo of old named to Rodeo Hall of Fame
Hawaii paniolo Ikua Purdy was inducted into the Rodeo Hall of Fame yesterday.Purdy, who was born in 1873, learned to ride and rope on grasslands and upland forests of Waimea and Mauna Kea.
In the 1908 world roping championship in Cheyenne, Wyo., he roped a steer in a record 56 seconds.
He never returned to Wyoming to defend his title. Purdy worked as a paniolo until his death in 1945.
New ferry scores a hit on the early commute
The Wikiwiki Ferry began operation today, and 59 people took the 5:30 a.m., 30-minute hydrofoil ride from Kalaeloa Barbers Point Harbor to Aloha Tower.Department of Transportation spokeswoman Marilyn Kali said everyone who got off the ferry at Aloha Tower said they were pleased with the ride, which is free till Nov. 18.
The ferry is part of a $3 million DOT demonstration project to lighten up the rush-hour commute for Leeward residents.
The riders "said it is (a) far better morning commute than they're used to," Kali said.
The ferry makes two trips in the morning and two in the afternoon between Kalaeloa and Aloha Tower. It has a 136-seat capacity, so there's plenty of room left. Call 848-6360 for more information.
Police, Fire, Courts
By Star-Bulletin staffHonolulu Police Department Crimestoppers
