Shop Celebrates 40, Giving Away Cars
Correction: The event is not open to the public. This article has been amended.
Auto Body Hawaii is celebrating its 40th anniversary in Kona by providing three local families with a fully refurbished car on Friday.
The non-profit charitable organization Kaanalike, led by Kalani Frietas, will be selecting the families that will be getting the cars at the company’s 40th anniversary celebration on Aug. 23, 6 p.m., at 73-5601 Maiau St., Kailua.
Auto Body Hawaii opened for business with a single employee in a small space in a warehouse on Luhia Street in August 1973. Today the company has 20 employees in its own space on Maiau Street.
“Some of the employees have been (with the company) since Day 1,” said Tiffiny Taylor, who’s worked at ABH 16 years herself.
Auto Body Hawaii employees made the donated vehicles completely safe and fully operable for much-needed transportation needs of low-income families in the community, Taylor said.
Auto Body Hawaii President Dale Matsumoto said it’s exciting to “put cars back safely on the road and into the hands of those who can really use them.”
Matsumoto said the company’s longevity in Kona is due to
company values: “We strive to provide excellent quality with exceptional
customer service. Honesty is what people expect and what we provide.”