The Black and Gold 1977
What is happening now?
The year 1976-77 was a major one for politics, especially in Washington, and on the local scene. The presidential election was one of the closest in our nation's history; even the experts had conflicting opinions of its outcome. But democrat Jimmy Carter hung on to his early election lead, despite President Gerald Ford's last minute surge, to edge out the incumbent by a handful of electoral votes.
On the local level, many new faces were seen in the State House and Senate. The defeat of seasoned incumbents was in part due to the controversial pay raise and pension bill passed in the 1976 session. Integrity and experience were key issues to many campaigns but public trust still wavered. Again, Hawaii's Democratic party made a sweep of all the major seats, as Spark Matsunaga was elected to the U.S. Senate and Cec Heftel and Dan Akaka to the House of Representatives.
Predicted voter apathy was not the case; Hawaii's eligible voters turned out in force for the November 2nd General Election. Approximately 85 percent of the registered voters exercised their rights, more than many states in the nation.
Politics was not the only major issue -- the threat of a deviate swine flu epidemic resulted in a mass immunization program throughout the United States. News of possible vaccine-related deaths caused the shutdown of clinics in certain cities, but did not deter Hawaii residents from being immunized. Again, Hawaii's turnout was better than other states.
The Bicentennial was far from over as the return of the Polynesian voyaging canoe Hokule'a rekindled spirit and enthusiasm. Islanders turned out by the thousands to greet the vessel and her crew at Magic Island, the end of her round trip to Tahiti in August. She then became an educational exhibit.
One of the latest mainland fads to reach the islands was CB (citizens band) radio craze. Tell-tale antennae could even be seen on a number of McKinleyites' cars. Though somewhat expensive, it proved to be more useful than most fads.
By now it was apparent that the year was one full of changes for this country.
McKinley High School Class of 1977
40th Reunion Summer 2017
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