LIHU‘E — There were only small changes taking place at the United Airlines check-in counter on Tuesday when floral decorative pieces featuring locally grown fresh tropical flowers graced the individual counters.
The musical group Kekona with Kekai Chock and Conrad “Kona” Giminiz, and guest hula dancer Nicole Balbarino, greeted United Airlines passengers with mele and hula to soften the stress of moving bags curbside through various inspection points and checking in the bags.
Another group led by Kumu Hula Troy Allen Hinano Lazaro, and performers with Halau Ka Pa Hula O Hinano, prepared for plane-side departure hula and mele before adjourning to a special luncheon featuring community and business leaders.
“Oh no, it’s not anythingreally big,” said Wendrick Yee, the United Airlines general manager. “This United Airlines’ 40th anniversary of being on Kaua‘i, and this is only for Kaua‘i.”
Forty years ago, Yee was not working with United Airlines, but closely tied with the aviation industry.
“There were only two airlines — Hawaiian andAloha,” said Yee. “Then, United came in.”
The Kaua‘i County Council remembers 40 years ago, and what has happened since that first United flight touched down at Lihu‘e Airport from Los Angeles.
“In August,1984, United Airlines marked a historic milestone when it made its inaugural flight with 190 passengers aboard from Los Angeles to Kaua‘i, commencing the first commercial airline to provide nonstop service between Kaua‘i and North America,” states a congratulatory certificate from the Kaua‘i County Council, which was presented during the celebratory luncheon.
“This pioneering journey, made possible with the iconic DC-8 aircraft, was not just a flight, but a significant bridge connecting our island to the vast expanse of North America, making Kaua‘i accessible for tourism and business.”
Yee said United now flies the Boeing 757, but the values of community and togetherness has not changed.
“We gather to celebrate a wonderful milestone, United’s 40th anniversary of service to the Garden Island,” Yee said. “This momentous occasion is a testament to our commitment, all of us, together, with shared visions of community, service, and integrity.”
Yee said over the years, United has touched many lives by embracing opportunities and challenges like Hurricane Iniki striking a near direct hit to Kaua‘i in 1992, the reintroduction of service back to Kaua‘i in 1998, and the start of service between Kaua‘i and San Francisco in 1999.
“From access to educational institutions across the nation for our keiki, to disaster relief and a lifeline for thousands of residents and travelers in the days following Hurricane Iniki, these journeys were made possible by the collective efforts of us all, and those whose wisdom precede us,” Yee said.
“As we reflect on our past achievements, let us more importantly, look ahead with optimism. The future hold boundless possibilities, and together, we will continue to forge a cohesive path for our airport, community and the traveling public.”
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 808-245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
