6 because rust and deterioration had reduced the engine to an unsightly liability and posed a danger to children who played on it.

John Knaus then contacted Bill Paty, then manager of Waialua Agricultural Company, about saving and restoring the locomotive.

This was followed by a letter to Ed Bernsten of the National Railway Historical Society seeking information on organizing a local chapter.

He then talked to Nick Carter, another rail fan who had expressed interest in saving the Navy mainline on the leeward coast for an operating railroad.

On August 22, 1970, John Knaus, Nick Carter, Luman Wilcox, and Ken Peale met to discuss forming a local chapter of the NRHS.

Nominated and elected were: Luman Wilcox for pres., Ken Peale for VP, Nick Carter for Secretary-Treasurer, and John Knaus for National Director.

At a membership meeting on December 19, 1973, the members voted to use the name of Hawaiian Railway Society without severing itself from the NRHS.