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Hotel Street, the Service Man’s Domain E Hotel Street, from River to Richards, has become the service man’s domain. Like the stalls of market-day Palestine, the merchants of Honolulu have taken every available inch of space to sell their wares. The doorway or nook that once went to the shoeshine boy is now a jewelry counter. In what used to be a vegetable store now flow beer and coke. A lad in white or khaki can find a weird assortment of things to buy. A watch or a drink are right on the route. Pin-ball machines and clothing , a hair cut or a gift to mother are available on Hotel Street between River and Richards. The narrow sidewalks haven’t changed but the merchandise offered has. You can hock your watch across from the “Y,” or you can get a loan on that cameo ring. They’ll treat you right and even sell you a “I Love You Dear Mother o’ Mine” pillow on the way out. Your picture: taken in three minutes with a background drop of Diamond Head on real sand, posed with a happy hula girl, all done up in the best Coney Island style. One large amusement place, which makes this its first offer, has within its establishment nearly forty additional forms of amusement. A service man on a few hours of leave can find his favorite pin-ball machine, he can determine his shooting range, his baseball batting ability, his weight, his strength, and can take a shot at miniature Japs stalking through painted jungles. Posing with a hula girl is a top attraction on Hotel Street, with a crowd of civilians and service men always present to watch the amusing proceedings. Destination of the pictures is unknown, although some are undoubtedly sent to tease the best girl at home, or shock a doting aunt. Others are kept in wallets as mementos of Hawaii. Hotel Street has the tawdry glitter of a miniature Coney Island or 148 First published October 1943. of Chicago’s Maxwell Street, but military authorities are glad it’s there. It provides wholesome fun for the lads and a place to spend their money without too much exploitation. After all, the OPA is functioning , so jewelry prices are under control. The gaudy street is here to stay, for the duration and possibly longer, for it gives the boys a place to spend money, have fun, and buy souvenirs from Hawaii for the folks back home. War!—1943 149 ...

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