Hollywood action hero Mel Gibson planned to upgrade the airstrip on Vanuabalavu in Lau so that his private jet could land there, stated an article in The Fiji Times on December 3, 2004.
The article quoted Gibson saying this to former Cabinet minister Temo Sukanaivalu on his arrival in the Lau Group.
Island fans Josefa Tapele and his elder sister Emele Wara, who were at the airstrip when the Passion of the Christ director arrived there, said the actor wanted the airstrip extended and sealed to allow for bigger aircraft like his personal jet to land on the island without any problems.
Mr Tapele said Mr Sukainavalu told them the Hollywood star wanted to travel to the island on his own jet rather than use a charter flight on his future trips.
Airports Fiji Ltd chief executive officer Ratu Sakiusa Tuisolia said the company did not have the funds to upgrade the airstrip.
He said AFL would be grateful if Mr Gibson footed the bill for the airstrip upgrade.
“If he feels it’s necessary, then it will be nice if he pays for it,” Ratu Sakiusa said. “We can do it provided he covers the cost.”
The Mad Max star jetted in with his wife, Robyn, two children and several bodyguards on an Air Fiji-chartered flight from Nadi Airport.
Speaking from Mualevu Village, Mr Sukainavalu denied the claims, saying his meeting with Gibson was just a coincidence.
Gibson was there to check out Mago Island that he was interested in buying.
The 5411-acre tropical paradise was on sale for $15 million.
Mago’s native owners were moved off the island when they converted to Christianity in the 19th century.
English planter Rupert Ryder bought the island, and his family held it until 1939 when it was sold to copra planter Jim Borron.
In 1985, Mr Borron sold the island to international hotel developer Tokyo Corp for $6m.
