As The Honolulu Advertiser celebrates 150 years of being Hawaii's number-one source of news, opinion and entertainment, we take this opportunity to look back to an aspect of modern life that had a significant impact on both society and the landscape: the automobile. With the assistance of Advertiser columnist Bob Krause and his extensive archives, we present an often-whimsical look back at the earliest days of Hawaii behind the wheel.

An early advertisement for Schuman Carriage.

A month later, Joseph B. Atherton was reported to have been driving a "natty park trap" (whatever that is).

The first gasoline-powered automobile arrived in the Islands in 1900. Shipped from the mainland in parts, the car had to be assembled by the owner. Meanwhile, in May of that year, the Advertiser reported that 21 electric vehicles were being shipped to Oahu. The manufacturer boasted that each was capable of a 25-mile run. It was during this same month that the automobile had its first brush with disaster; a news report spoke of two bicyclists narrowly escaping injury in a near miss with an electric car. According to the report, the all-but-silent vehicle caught them unaware, and the editor sternly admonished automobile owners to "keep to the right!" on Honolulu's gravel streets.

Truly, a vehicle fit for royalty First Hawaiian of royal blood to drive a car: Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole. Advertiser archive photo

Queen Lilioukalani reportedly took her first spin in an automobile in 1900. Her chauffeur drove the queen in her electric car — probably one of the 21 that had arrived earlier that year — from town to Waikiki. However, the car inexplicably died on the way back and she reportedly had to complete her journey home by streetcar.

Also in 1900, Oahu experienced its first auto theft. According to an account in the Advertiser, one Pat Corcoran had left his car parked just outside a downtown theater. Meanwhile, a friend of his, one Lewis Grant, recognized the car as he drunkenly stumbled out of a nearby saloon. Emboldened by alcohol, Mr. Grant apparently decided to hop in and take the car for a spin. Luckily — for Mr. Grant and countless pedestrians — he was unable to operate the vehicle (whether this was based on inexperience or his state of inebriation is unclear). However, he was able to honk the horn — repeatedly — which attracted the local constabulary, who immediately arrested him for trying to steal his friend's car.

By 1901, electric-powered taxis were — briefly — all the rage. An Advertiser news story detailed the popularity of the taxis by a visiting group of Shriners, who were enthusiastic about the novelty of being carted around town by the then-new vehicles. However, for reasons that are lost to history, the cabs fell out of favor not long after the Shriners returned to the mainland.

All hail the cab The Kakaako taxi stand in the early 20th century. Advertiser archive photo		Car hoppin’ After World War II, Hawaii drivers flocked to K.C. Drive Inn for the restaurant’s tasty waffle dogs and secret-recipe Ono-Ono milkshakes. Although the original location on Kalakaua Avenue next to the Ala Wai Canal is long gone (replaced by the distinctive Waikiki Landmark building), great memories remain. Advertiser archive photo
	Christmas present Mrs. Victoria Alana of Manoa was the first to park in the city’s off-street parking lot on Queen and Bethel streets on Dec. 18, 1959. Treated to three hours of free parking by the Downtown Merchants Association, Mrs. Alana is greeted by city engineer William C. Vannatta (left) and supervisor Milton D. Beamer. Advertiser archive photo

Also in that year, not long after news reports decried the actions of "madcap" drivers, the Hawaiian Automobile Company burned to the ground and never rose from the ashes. Meanwhile, Prince David Kawananakoa reportedly hired a procession of electric cars to take him and his party for a 2 a.m. ride. According to reports, one of the cars died, and when he and his party tried to use another of the cars to move, the second car fell victim to a mechanical failure, as well. No word on what time the prince made it home to bed.

In 1902, a gasoline-powered auto made a record run from town to Waialua in a record time of three and a half hours!

The first Oldsmobile arrived in the Islands a year later, and was sold by the Pioneer Motor Company. Sales literature boasted that Oldsmobile was capable of building 30 cars a day.

Nineteen hundred and four marked the first reference to the now-familiar concept of "speeding." City leaders complained that some drivers were operating their vehicles at speeds "faster than streetcars" and racing their cars in the streets. The notion of instituting speed limits soon followed.

In that same year, King David Kalakaua and one C. W. Deering of Chicago reportedly drove Kalakaua's white steam touring car to Waimea.

The first of what would become a Hawaii automotive tradition also began in 1904: the floral parade. On Thanksgiving Day, 21 cars — all draped with flowers — set off from Palace Square to Kapiolani Park and back. After the parade, the owners were invited to display their cars in rows at a football game. The event was a big hit with high society and a tradition was born.

Worth a double-take The owner of this car — we’d guess he or she was a creative type — probably drew stares from one end of town to the other, as seen in this photo from 1972. Advertiser archive photo

The year ended on a note similar to how it began: In December 1900, David Kalakaua's friend C. W. Deering was arrested for speeding (i.e. operating his vehicle at a speed greater than 12 mph). According to a newspaper account, Mr. Deering testified that his car was capable of stopping within 50 feet at such a speed and that he could also "turn out" to avoid any potential mishap. Suprisingly, the judge accepted Mr. Deering's explanation, and the case was dismissed.

May 1905 marked the construction of the first automobile parking garage adjacent to the Alexander Young Hotel at Bishop and Hotel streets. Meanwhile, Schuman Carriage — the territory's first traditional automotive dealership opened its doors, offering "The Gale," an open-seated roadster, for the affordable price of $650.

That same year, the Advertiser — no doubt responding to rising public concern about safety issues relating to autos — published a cartoon depicting an automobile running down pedestrians in a Roman arena. Perhaps spurred by this image, city officials drew up the first regulations pertaining to the operation of a motor vehicle. These included a mandatory driving test, registering vehicles and painting a registration number somewhere on the car. Speed limits were also imposed: 8 mph on roads, 4 mph through intersections.

Finally, 1905 saw the first public example of a city worker — a road supervisor — using an automobile in his job.

By 1906, motoring had evolved beyond novelty, morphing into a leisure activity for those with a sense of adventure (and a certain level of disposable income). As a result, newspapers of the period typically put auto-related stories in the sports pages.

Something wicked this way comes Honolulu drivers got a first look at one of two parking meters being given a six-month test back in September 1951. Sadly, those tests were apparently successful, as descendants of this early model are still with us. Advertiser archive photo

Meanwhile, another aspect of motoring came to light that year: the lawsuit. The Advertiser reported that a wealthy tourist staying at Volcano House knocked down several people in Hilo and lawyers were immediately called. The outcome of that suit may have been lost to history, but the case itself was the first of its kind on record.

Finally that year, Honolulu city officials reported 43 applications for driver's licenses and 88 auto registrations.

In 1907, the first Ford arrived in Hawaii — a sporty two-seater runabout with a low fishtail-shaped rear end and no windshield — followed by the first Buick — a small runabout with a back seat sold by the Von Hamm-Young Company.

Auto clubs made the news in 1907, as well. In the early part of the year, club members were quoted as having criticized restrictions on speeding, asserting that an automobile was "safer than a horse!" However, by year's end, news reports noted that some clubs had seen the light and were supportive of city traffic laws.

In 1908, an Advertiser article detailed the experience on one R. M. Isenberg, who, while being driven by his chauffeur, had the misfortune of having his car die while negotiating a railroad crossing. Fortunately, no one was hurt, but train passengers had to wait while the car was moved off the tracks.

Later that year, newspaper reports had glowing reviews of the "raciest" car in the Islands — the Stoddard by Dayton. Described as a low-slung roadster, the vehicle boasted an innovative rumble seat.

In late 1908, the aforementioned Von Hamm-Young Company gained a place in history by becoming the state's first used-car dealer.

Poetic license Although the industry’s days were numbered at this point in 1984, someone had some fun at director George Lucas’ expense at Waialae Drive-In Theatre. The drive-in was one of the last on Oahu before being bulldozed in favor of single-family housing in the mid-’90s. Advertiser archive photo

By 1909, the automobile was gaining greater acceptance throughout the Islands, and the motorized ambulance made its debut. Meanwhile, that acceptance gave rise to status, and newspapers took to listing car owners and descriptions of their vehicles in the society pages.

As the 20th century entered its second decade, Hawaii saw the first Packard, the first auto races at Kapiolani Park and, in 1914, the first newspaper automotive sections.

In 1915, the city instituted rules pertaining to automotive headlights, stipulating the intensity of the lamps and the type of glass covers to be used on different types of lamps.

By 1916, the Advertiser reported that sales of automobile outstripped that of pineapples in Hawaii, reaching a level of $9.4 million in 1915. Further, the city reported that there were 3,000 autos on Oahu. By 1928, officials reported that there were 25,000 automobiles on the island of Oahu.

From the 1930s on, automobiles went from being a plaything for the wealthy to what amounted to an everyday appliance for virtually everyone in the state. In the intervening years, Hawaii was subjected to gas rationing during World War II and, to a lesser extent, during the '70s; saw the rise of the drive-in movie theater and restaurant; and experienced the impact of cars on teens and dating. At the same time, both the city of Honolulu and state of Hawaii embarked on a series of ambitious road-building projects Throughout this period, the automobile continued to grow in popularity, capturing our imagination and enticing us to take to the open road. Once we got behind the wheel, we never looked back.

KING WINDWARD NISSAN

King Windward Nissan’s brand new, state-of-the-art dealership in Kaneohe.

Historically, King Windward Nissan employees have been driven by a single motto: "We're a lifetime of friends."

This is a credo that owners Charlie King and Ron Hansen strongly believe in and it's one that they attribute as helping with the company's expansion and future success.

From its humble beginning as Kaneohe Datsun in the late 1970s to the grand opening of a new 24,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility last December, the company has consistently provided unparalleled service and upstanding integrity.

"From day one, our business philosophy has been based on customer service," said King Windward Nissan general manager Bill Mickelsen. "We know that our business has grown tremendously over the years only because of the loyalty of our customers. So, we strive to do everything possible to service them as best as we can."

All strapped in A motorist returns home with a big “catch” tied to his roof on South Street in this photo from 1989. Advertiser archive photo

This type of customer attention and care, though, isn't limited to King Windward Nissan. It's also practiced at all King auto centers, including the one in Lihue, Kauai — which King purchased in 1995 — and at

Infiniti of Honolulu, which is the sole representative of Infiniti automotive products in Hawaii and soon to be one of the leading auto retailers on the Island.

"Customer service is our main priority," said King. "The customer is always number one — we want to take care of them so they will become part of our family."

Or at least a friend for life, as history has already proven.

For more information, call 235-6433 (King Windward Nissan); 245-4788 (King Auto Center, Lihue); and 836-0848 (Infiniti).

King Windward Nissan's brand new, state-of-the-art dealership in Kaneohe.

NEW CITY NISSAN

Dave Frick of Nissan North America (center, holding the Circle of Excellence Award) poses with New City Nissan CEO Frank Kudo (left) and President John Uekawa.

Unsurpassed customer service has created a loyal following at New City Nissan — it's also what has garnered the dealership a prestigious award.

On May 19, Nissan North America's District Operations Manager, Dave Frick, presented New City Nissan with the Circle of Excellence Award.

It's an honor given to dealerships that are not only a top volume sales dealership, but also one that excels in customer satisfaction in both sales and service.

According to John Uekawa, president of New City Nissan, only 40 of the 1,152 Nissan dealerships in the country have earned the award and it's a source of pride for the company's 150 dedicated employees.

"Working as a team in all aspects is the key," says Uekawa. "Earning the Circle of Excellence Award means that teamwork to take care of all of our customers is important to everyone at our dealership."

Fast cars of big stars Mr. Checkers of "The Checkers and Pogo Show" — still Hawaii’s all-time most-popular children’s TV program — shows off the Checkermobile in a local parade, in this photo from the mid ’60s.

The official award was presented at a luncheon provided by Nissan North America for all the employees, managers and executives of New City Nissan. CEO Frank Kudo addressed the company's employees by saying, "it is a tremendous honor and is a result of all the hard work that you do everyday. I am very proud of everyone because this honor shows that we not only sell a lot of cars, but take care of our customers."

New City Nissan is the top volume selling Nissan dealership for Nissan North America's Northwest region, which includes all Nissan dealerships in Washington, Oregon, Northern California, Alaska and Hawaii.

New City Nissan is located at 900 Ala Moana Blvd. For more information, call 540-3207

PFLUEGER GROUP

Pflueger Acura’s dramatic new dealership on South Beretania Street was a Grand Award Winner in the 17th Annual BIA Awards.

Serving the people of Hawaii since 1963, Pflueger Automotive Group offers an impressive line of quality vehicles, including Honda, Acura, Cadillac, HUMMER, Buick, GMC, and Subaru. In addition, Pflueger Auto Value Centers offer pre-owned automobiles at three locations throughout Oahu, with a fourth location opening soon on Maui.

The boys of summer Back in the days when automotive air conditioning was the exception rather than the rule, passengers had to be content with making the most of rolled-down windows, as is the case with this group of surfers in a photo from August 1967. Advertiser archive photo

A locally owned and operated business headed by Alan Pflueger, the company continues to expand, offering Honda and Yamaha motorcycles, as well as marine and power equipment. Pflueger Automotive Group is the only dealer that proudly offers a complete line of Honda manufactured products in the state of Hawaii.

Pflueger is one of the fastest-growing automotive businesses in the state: Pflueger Auto Group — Cadillac Hummer Buick GMC on South Beretania Street, Pflueger Honda on

Ala Moana Boulevard, Pflueger Acura on South Beretania Street, Pflueger Subaru on Waialae Avenue, Pflueger Subaru Dillingham, Pflueger Subaru Airport, Pflueger Auto Value Center Pearl City, Pflueger Auto Value Center Waipahu, Pflueger Honda/Yamaha Motorcycles in Waipahu, Pflueger Auto Body Center in Honolulu, Pacific Auto Distributors/Rhino Linings of Oahu on Cooke Street, Pflueger Racing and — coming soon — Pflueger Acura Maui and Pflueger Auto Value Center Maui.

Pflueger Automotive Group's management philosophy centers on providing quality service and products with exceptional value to every customer. Having been the first to open a Honda dealership in the nation, Pflueger continues to impact Hawaii's automotive industry in a positive way in order to meet and exceed the needs of their valued present and prospective customers.

For more information about Pflueger Automotive Group products and services, call 592-4500.

KING INFINITI OF HONOLULU

Boasting a full line of beautifully sculpted luxury cars, King Infiniti of Honolulu was honored with the 2006 Award of Excellence — an award given to only 20 out of 1,500 Infiniti dealers in the nation this year.

Historically, J.D. Power and Associates has always given Infiniti high marks for initial quality, but King Infiniti of Honolulu recently earned praise in its own right: the 2006 Award of Excellence which is given to top dealers nationwide.

"Of the 1,500 Infiniti dealers in the country, only 20 won this award for excellence in sales, service and customer satisfaction," says Marty Barger, vice president and general manager of King Infiniti of Honolulu, the only Infiniti dealer in Hawaii. "And the Automotive Lease Guide, which is the leading source of which cars hold their value, just gave our G35 the Residual Value Award. No doubt about it — we have an outstanding product."

Ready for takeoff Behind the wheel for the first time, Marilyn Adachi, 17, of Kaimuki High School, receives instruction from Clifford Jinbo, sociology and history teacher, in this photo from 1966. Advertiser archive photo

The automaker, now in its 17th year, is the luxury division of Nissan and competes closely with Japanese luxury rival Lexus.

"Infiniti, in the last five or six years, though, has changed dramatically," says Barger "We're still winning awards for quality, but now we're also designing great-looking cars."

Barger adds that Infiniti body styles have gone from boring to beautiful.

"Ask an Infiniti owners and they'll tell you 'It's the best car I've ever had,'" says Barger. "The cars are fun to drive, they're well built. The people who drive an Infiniti now trade them in to buy a new Infiniti."

Barger says the luxury car buyer is looking for a car that makes them feel good, a car that is fun to drive, and one that is reliable and trouble-free.

"They don't want to deal with aggravations," he says. "Nissan has taken the time to do the job right by putting their engineering talent towards making the best car possible. After that it comes down to who offers the best service. We win awards for both."

King Infiniti of Honolulu is located at 2845 Kilihau Street. For more information, call 836-0848.

CUTTER FORD

Since opening its doors 32 years ago, Cutter Ford has grown to be Hawaii’s largest multi-point automotive retailer, representing 13 brands at 10 locations statewide.

It was December 1974 that the doors opened at Cutter Ford — now an institution at its original Aiea location.

In the intervening 32 years, Cutter has grown to be Hawaii's largest multi-point automobile retailer, representing 13 brands at 10 locations statewide. One need only look at Cutter Ford to understand how this happened.

Slanted coverage Battered but vigilant parking meters tilt toward a leaning motorist on King Street opposite the downtown Post Office in this photo from March 1965. Advertiser archive photo

You see, some of the staff from 1974 are still there, providing the same dedicated and friendly service as that very first day. Such dedication and loyalty is a sign that Cutter takes care of its employees. And when a company does that, it naturally translates into employees taking pride in their work and in turn taking care of their customers. That's how a company becomes successful: Successful employees create successful companies.

So whether you're shopping for a Mazda in Waipahu ... a Dodge in downtown ... or even a Mitsubishi in Maui, if you're shopping at Cutter, you'll be dealing with a knowledgeable, friendly staff focused on making your shopping experience a good one.

You'll also be shopping from Hawaii's largest selection of new and used cars, trucks, vans and SUVs, in every type, color, option package and price range you can imagine.