Posted on: Wednesday, March 13, 2002

Charles M. Rolison, crane firm owner, dead at 75

By Curtis Lum
Advertiser Staff Writer

Charles Mack Rolison, a leader in local construction and maritime industries, died March 8 in Honolulu. He was 74.

Rolison, who was born in El Paso, Texas, served in the Army and later was a civil engineer with the International Boundary Water Commission, which oversees boundary and water treaties between the United States and Mexico.

In the 1950s and 1960s, Rolison owned and operated heavy transportation businesses associated with the West Texas oil exploration industry.

Rolison moved to Hawai'i in 1967 and purchased Cummins Engine Sales of Hawai'i and White Truck Sales of Hawai'i. Five years later, he acquired Hawaiian Crane and Rigging Ltd., which he ran until his death.

Under Rolison's leadership, Hawaiian Crane and Rigging took part in many major construction and maritime projects in Hawai'i and the Pacific. Among them were installation of telescopes on Mauna Kea, work on the H-3 Freeway, and providing lift services for the Navy at Pearl Harbor and the major companies in Honolulu Harbor and the Neighbor Islands.

Rolison is survived by his wife, Claudean; daughter, Claudia Frias; sons, Charles and Patrick; and seven grandchildren.

A service will be held at Borthwick Mortuary's Maunakea Chapel Saturday at 3 p.m. Donations may be made to the St. Francis Hospice.