Graduates of Koloa School class of 1949 reunited for the first time last weekend. Thirty-nine graduates of the original 50 came for Koloa Plantation Days. As the oldest group walking in the Koloa Plantation Days parade, they received a tremendous welcome and applause as they walked.
During their time together they reminisced about days spent at their alma mater and plantation life. Many recalled walking to school barefooted and were not required to wear shoes until entering high school.
As they walked up Po‘ipu Road they noted changes along the route. The first church next to Koloa School was known as the “Brown” Church. The post office was gone — replaced with tourist businesses and the Koloa Theatre had been replaced by a memorial. Salvation Army and Sueko Store remained and the old Yamamoto store was there with the gasoline stand that was actually in use during their earlier years in school.
Festivities started with a banquet at Hanamaulu Cafe July 24 with special guest Setsuo Ushio. Ushio served as a principal of Koloa School from 1970 to 1976. A significant event during his time was when most of the old school burnt down in November 1973. The fire was a disaster considering the loss of irreplaceable school records, pictures and memorabilia.
Classmate William Pascua surprised the class with a summary of significant events during that period. The class entered first grade in September 1941 and a few months later, the United States became involved in World War II.
Discipline was different as compared to standards established today. Teachers were allowed to physically administer punishment for infractions of the rules. Students preferred school discipline rather than by their parents. Fortunately most homes did not have a telephone.
Students laughed when many details were related by Pascua. He mentioned that many boys were “red-shirted” and some times for a couple of years. This was interpreted to mean students were not advanced to the next higher grade for the benefit of the then power house Kaua‘i High football team.
Classmates gathered during the weekend were Edward Abreu, Amy (Arakaki) Shikata, Roy Higa, Stanley Isoda, Lillian (Kunioka) Takanishi, Sandra (Otani) Ichiyama, William Pascua, Juan Rabasa, Glenn Sanekane, Joan (Shinagawa) Masui, James Sukisaki and Masao Yamamoto. The class had a moment of silent prayer for departed classmates Marcus Botas, Josephine Bromeo, Verna Duvachelle, Gloria Gampon, Thomas Hiramoto, Nicholas Kimokeo, Ann Nishara, George Okinaka, Melquiades Tabuso, Melvin Takemoto and Elden Tanaka.
• Johnny Rabasa is a graduate of Koloa School class of 1949 and Vice President of the Veterans Club.
