FEBRUARY 8, 2017 - V OLUME 32, I SSUE 6
The
Molokai Dispatch TH E I S LAND’ S NEW S SOU RCE S I NCE 1 9 8 5
Trail Access Threatens Mule Ride
NEW OWNERSHIP FOR FRIENDLY MARKET
By Catherine Cluett Pactol | Editor
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Trail pg. 2
FMC current and future leadership, left to right, Kris Okimoto, Crystal Egusa, Jeff Egusa, Hayleymay Greenleaf, Judy Egusa, PJ Augustiro, Kyle Okimoto and Kit Okimoto. Photo by Catherine Cluett Pactol
By Catherine Cluett Pactol | Editor
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fter 63 years under the ownership of the Egusa family, one of Molokai's largest stores is changing hands this week. As of Feb. 11, Friendly Market Center will continue operation under the leadership of another family of grocers -- the Okimotos of Waianae, Oahu. The change comes after careful consideration over the last few years, said the Egusas of their retirement and business sale. Having a long working relationship with the Okimoto family as fellow independent grocers, FMC co-owner Jeff Egusa said they feel good about the transition. "We didn't want a big mainland company or anything like that [to buy the store]," explained Jeff of their decision to approach the Okimotos with the possibility of purchase. "They are third generation super market people... They got the youth and
the knowhow. They're good people so we figure, [it's] a winning combination for everybody." The three Okimoto brothers, Kris, Kit and Kyle, own two stores on Oahu -- one in Waianae and one in Nanakuli. "Our grandfather started the business in 1949," explained Kit, adding the Nanakuli store came along in 1973. As the third generation running the stores, the brothers value family, their employees and a recognition that good things don't need to be changed. "We want to make sure the community knows we're not here to change a bunch of things," said Kit of FMC. "We think everything is just fine the way it is." The store's current 42 employees will stay with the business under the new ownership, said Jeff's wife, Crystal Egusa. Kit said while their family wasn't on a path to acquire another business, the Egusa's
GIRLS PADDLING 3RD IN STATE
endorsement meant a lot to them. "...It was a very humbling experience to have the Egusas approach us and confide in us and trust us that we would be able to steward their company forward," he said. "We felt almost an obligation," added Kyle. "Not to say someone else couldn't come in and do it, but we feel like we really understand the role that this store plays on the island and our decisions would impact not just employees but really a whole community." The Okimoto family ties to Molokai were already established before business became involved. Kris said since the 80s, they have been coming to Molokai with their parents for vacations every year, and have developed close friends over the years. Their family owns a home on the east end.
FMC pg. 2
THIS WEEK IN
Molokai Dispatch
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he Sproat family, owners of Molokai's legendary mule ride, say they're worried land access issues may prevent the business from continuing operation. The Kalae barn that serves as their base of business -- home to the mules that make daily guided trips down the rugged Kalaupapa trail -- is on land owned by R.W. Meyer Ltd, leased by the Sproats. R. W. Meyer also owns the land at the trailhead by Kalae Highway, through which mules and hikers must pass to access the settlement. The late Buzzy Sproat operated the mule ride for more than 40 years, and his family has owned the business for 25 years. His daughter, Kalehua Sproat-Augustiro, is now continuing to operate Kalaupapa Rare Adventures with her brother, and mother, Marlene. She said a locked gate was installed last September, and the Meyers are asking for 20 percent of the business' gross profits for them to continue using the trail access through the gate. She said the Meyers have also doubled their rent on the mule stable. A representative of R.W. Meyer did not return requests for comment. The Meyers also have a long history on Molokai. Rudolph Wilhelm Meyer of Germany came to Hawaii in 1850, married Chiefess Kalama Waha and they settled on Molokai, according to the family website, rwmeyer.com. Their descendants now manage the family's significant acreage in Kalae. Sproat-Augustiro said the Meyers cited concerns over illegal hunting for the gate's installation, but she said its impact is far-reaching. "It's blocking access down to Kalaupapa, the beach and our place of work," Sproat-Augustiro said in a video released by the family. Erika Stein Espaniola, superintendent of the Kalaupapa National Historical Park, said the National Park Service (NPS) has agreements with both Kalaupapa Rare Adventures and R. W. Meyer. Their Memorandum of Agreement with the Meyers allows NPS employees, volunteers and contractors to access the Kalaupapa trailhead through Meyer property, she said. Sproat-Augustiro said the business cannot afford to pay the Meyers 20 percent of profits for access to the trail. "We’re just a small family business, we’re not trying to be rich... just trying to stay afloat, trying to stay above water," she said. Years ago, the Meyers tried to lock access to the trail, she added, but her dad told them it was illegal and they removed it. This time, she said, the Meyers have not been negotiating. "I can’t just give this whole thing up," said Marlene Sproat in the video. "It’s my husband’s legacy... I want to carry on that legacy, especially for our children... We’re here to share the aloha with others, especially those that come from all over the world... We have the
By Rick Schonely | Sports Reporter
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he Molokai Girls Paddling team is now ranked third in the state after finishing the state championships with a bronze medal. The team, coached by Stefanie Hubbard, traveled to Oahu's Keehi Lagoon last weekend. They finished first in their preliminary heat with a time of 04:23.99 to qualify for the final. Later in the day, they battled with rival and fellow MIL crew Seabury to place third with a time of 04:24.89. Seabury took the girls championship with a time of 04:16.80. "I am extremely proud and happy for just how well they did," said Hubbard. "All of their hard work and determination shone through in their races." The Molokai Girls Canoe Paddling team is Tashady Florendo, Hulilau Albino, Photo by Stefanie Hubbard Kaydence Oswald, Talia Nakayama, Shai Rawlins, Sherie Kaili and Marion Powell. The future for this team is bright and "At the end, the best part is that they'll Hubbard couldn’t be any happier that her all be returning next year!" she said. team is comprised of underclassmen.
Swimming, Wrestling and Boys Basketball
Pg. 5
County Retirements
Pg. 3
Why we fly with Makani Kai “They were just so courteous,” says Yolanda, “We couldn’t make our Tuesday flight due to an emergency, so I called and there was no problem changing our flight…and they waived the change fee.” Yolanda, who is director of Maui Economic Opportunity, which offers an array of programs and services for those in need, is traveling today with her husband. “It’s convenient,” says Dada, “No security, friendly service.” And he knows about good service, having run Dada’s Body & Fender for 35 years. Good, local folks, the heart of Makani Kai.
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Molokai Dispatch
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