Project 10073 Record: Sighting Report - Oahu, Honolulu, 16 April 1954

This document is a formal record of an Unidentified Flying Object (UFOB) sighting reported under Project 10073. On the night of April 16, 1954, between 2215 and 2220 hours, a civilian employee of the Hawaiian Telephone Company observed an unusual aerial phenomenon while at Sandy Beach on the southeast shore of Oahu. The witness reported seeing a brilliant red, light-like object hovering over the ocean between Oahu and Lanai at an estimated altitude of 3,000 to 4,000 feet. The object remained stationary for approximately one and a half minutes before departing at a high rate of speed. The witness noted that the object possessed a tail light resembling a neon sign. Following the report, an investigation was conducted by the PACD Intelligence Officer. The U.S. Weather Station at Honolulu International Airport confirmed that weather conditions were favorable for observation, with good visibility and light winds. Pearl Harbor Rescue was contacted and confirmed that no ships or aircraft were reported in the area at the time of the sighting. However, the Kaneohe Marine Corps Air Station reported that a C-45 aircraft landed at their station at 2230 hours. Based on this information, the official conclusion reached by the intelligence branch was that the object was 'possibly aircraft.' The report notes that no other military or civilian agencies provided substantiating reports to confirm the sighting. The document is signed by Lt. Colonel John B. Rhode of the Intelligence Branch, Hq PAGD, MATS, and is filed under reference number IR-85-54.