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It appears Pahoa is due to lose one of it's oldest businesses. Pahoa Cash and Carry has been in town about 75 years and has been a local mainstay.
In talking to older Pahoa residents I am aware that in hard times the Pahoa Cash & Carry kept a lot of families going by extending credit.... many of those accounts are still on the books of the Cash & Carry.
Some years ago a sign appeared midway on Pahoa Main Street announcing a new home/location for the C&C. As I understood it the project got seriously delayed and simply ended up not moving forward. Then the Malama Market opened and Long's and perhaps the Cash & Carry's fate was sealed.
I will be sorry to see them close and hope that the employees will soon find new jobs. It may be too much to hope that a new business will open there soon... but we can hope. The age of locally owned, family owned businesses has been waning for years.
I suspect the age of the building and its condition may hinder its reuse.
Mahalo to the Pahoa Cash & Carry for your three quarters of a century in serving Pahoa residents.
Assume the best and ask questions.
Punaweb moderator
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There is one very important thing about the Cash and Carry that needs to be repaired and maintained if at all possible, and that is the two neon volcanoes on either side of the building. For me, those signs were an emblem of Puna at its offbeat, end-of-the-world, slightly comical best. I hope that we can rally to protect and preserve those signs.
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That's really too bad, and is sad to hear. Although for me... I would shop there over Malama any day, if it weren't for the fact that many of their products are way past date.
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In 1959 was my first memory of going to Pahoa Cash & Carry (Hara Store)in a beat up old Ford truck on the way to work on our farm. Papa and Tutu would always take a box of apple donuts from Ola'a Bakery to the "old Japanese lady in the back" for her family to enjoy.
My Tutu would visit with the old folks, while Papa and I walked around getting our goods for the week. We also had to get bait for fishing later in the day, and this was our "lucky store" to buy bait. The "old Japanese man" always gave me the old shrimp (for free) for the aholehole, and the squid (bought) was for the papio, ulua, and o'io.
Wide eyed, I watched him show me how to fix the hook on your bamboo pole, to make sure it was "hanapa'a" (make secure/fasten). Could not wait to work the farm, then go fish with my new bait.
Ice cream and candy was a luxury back then. Our "candy" was sugar cane stalks. Our "pay" was stopping at the store on the way back to Hilo after working the farm, and getting a "chick a stick" or "Big Hunk" for 5cents.
I recall vividly calling the old Japanese man to our truck to show him my catch of the day, talking with my mouth full of candy. My Tutu frowning at me for talking with food in my mouth, and the man saying, "Neva mind, pua ting, she all proud of her fish that's why." His twinkle in his eye and wink I will never forget.
Through the years, the fond memories shared with the Hara ohana remain so precious. Mahalo for the good old times, and I hope someone can revitalize this landmark in order to provide our keiki and mo'opuna some fond memories.
Aloha Pahoa Cash & Carry
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Great recollections, Opihikao! Thanks for sharing your memories of Pahoa C&C. I remember in the 70s and 80s when they were making $10,000 in beer sales weekly....wonder what it's been lately.
I agree w/Kelena....we should do something to save those neon signs, and get them reconditioned! Suggestions....?
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In 1974 I was residing/camping in Kalapana.
Couple of times a week, up to the P.O. for mail and Hara's Cash and Carry for the macnut-banana bread they sold, plus a few other groceries.
More than once I asked Ms Hara about whole wheat bread.
"No can sell!", she exclaimed.
The bread delivery truck needed to bring more than just one loaf at time or none.
I told Ms Hara I'd buy it all -- and for a week or two had plenty of bread for avocado sandwiches to share.
Then, I go and there is no whole wheat bread in the rack.
I asked Ms Hara, "Where's the whole wheat bread?"
She says with a big smile, "All sell out!"
After that, always find whole wheat bread at Pahoa Cash and Carry.
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most thieves sell their stolen goods at cash and carry.
the doc is in...
the doc is in...
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Sorry to see Cash n Carry close. I went there today and they still have quite a few things to sell. was really bummed to fine out all of their shirts were gone. if anyone knows of someone selling C n C shirts, please let me know. thanks
Donna
Donna
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The neon signs have been sold and the shelves are getting bare.Groceries are 40% off.
Rumor from the clerks is that it may become a brewery/brew pub.
That would be neat !!!
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A brewpub? Seriously? The gentry have landed......
