KTA Continues Centennial Celebration

KTA $1,000 Shopping Spree winner Shimomi Araujo. KTA photo.

Hilo resident Shimomi Araujo is the final $1,000 Shopping Spree winner of KTA’s Centennial Customer Appreciation Celebration.

The sun and crowds were out in full force at KTA’s Downtown Hilo location this past Saturday, July 30, as the Hawai`i Island super store chain continued its centennial celebration.

The event was broadcast live over KBIG radio with KTA Vice President Lon Taniguchi and his aunty, Sachiko Chun, sole remaining Nisei second-generation Taniguchi family member, selected Araujo as the final winner.

Shoppers were also treated to special in-store discounts, live music, food, games and prizes.

Previous shopping spree winners include:

• Rosaline Cortez in February at Waimea
• Albert Colonad in March at Keauhou
• Alex Aquino in April at Waikoloa Village Market
• William Hussey in May at Kailua-Kona
• Mabel Reyes in June at Puainako

KTA $1,000 Shopping Spree winner Shimomi Araujo. KTA photo.

Although Araujo was the last $1,000 Shopping Spree winner, concluding KTA’s Centennial Customer Appreciation Celebration, KTA continues to celebrate with its 100 Days of Summer giveaway.

Visit any KTA location islandwide or enter online for a chance to win a $100 gift card.

One winner will be chosen daily through Thursday, Sept. 15.

Koichi and Taniyo Taniguchi started KTA Super Stores in 1916 as a modest 500-square-foot grocery and dry goods store. Since then, KTA has grown to a six-store chain, serving the residents of Hawai`i Island.

When they first opened, the couple had no idea their modest business would someday evolve into a multi-store supermarket employing 790 active associates.

The couple simply believed they were assisting family and friends to obtain necessary grocery and household items.

Early on, Koichi began taking grocery orders from Hilo families and delivered the much-needed merchandise by bicycle. In time, the couple built their pick-up and delivery business to the point where they were able to afford a “real” store.

By 1939, a branch store was established in Downtown Hilo. This proved to be a wise decision, when the original structure in Waiakea town was destroyed by the tsunami of April 1, 1946.

This branch (Downtown) store was converted into a supermarket operation in 1953, and was later followed by the opening of the Kailua-Kona store in 1959 (relocated to its present location in 1975).

Just seven years later, the Puainako Street store was opened, followed by Keauhou in 1984 and the Waimea store (located in Kamuela) in 1989.

In 1990, a partner location, Waikoloa Village Market was opened to serve the growing community of Waikoloa Village.

In 1994, KTA established the Mountain Apple Brand, a private label promoting quality products exclusively grown or manufactured in Hawai‘i. The patronage of Mountain Apple Brand products, and purchasing locally produced and manufactured goods from Hawai`i Island vendors generates jobs, supports the local economy and helps improve this special place we call home.

Expanding KTA’s private label brand, KTA began featuring 1,916 quality products produced outside of the State of Hawai’I.

The turn of the century launched KTA into the digital age with the introduction of KTA’s “Living In Paradise” Television show and the launch of KTA’s websites (www.ktasuperstores.com and www.waikoloavillagemarket.com).

Store expansion was also in full swing at the Waimea and Puainako Street Hilo locations.

In 2007, KTA Super Stores was the first supermarket in Hawai‘i to install and operate energy-producing photovoltaic systems at Waimea and Kailua-Kona locations. In early 2013, KTA expanded its renewable energy program by installing a PV system at Keauhou, Kona location. Partner location Waikoloa Village Market also installed a PV system at that time.

KTA’s legacy would not have been possible without the support of the community and KTA’s hard working and dedicated staff.

“It has been quite a journey,”said Barry Taniguchi, chairman of KTA Super Stores. “Together we have persevered through natural disasters, world wars, recessions and some truly uncertain times. I believe the special bond found in the people of our communities is truly the essence of the aloha spirit. We always come together to solve the problems with a clear desire to create a better future for our Island and families.”

KTA’s centennial celebration began in January (started and ended at the downtown Keawe Street store), a series of enter-to-win contests on KTA’s Facebook, Instagram and Twitter accounts were planned, along with in-store events, including promotional giveaways, centennial specials, food demonstrations and samples.

More events followed at the other KTA store locations in February through June 2016, islandwide.

“KTA Super Stores owes its thanks to you—our Hawai‘i Island ‘ohana—and stays true to its commitment to founders Koichi and Taniyo Taniguchi’s philosophy, which is a commitment to humbly serve the people of our community.”

KTA Super Stores Downtown Hilo location is at 321 Keawe St.

KTA Keawe Street Hilo Store grand opening in 1939. KTA Super Stores courtesy photo.

K Taniguchi Shoten, Waiakea Town Hilo 1921. KTA Super Stores courtesy photo.

KTA Puainako Street Hilo Store, 1966. KTA Super Stores courtesy photo.

KTA Puainako ground breaking ceremony, 1965. Tony Taniguchi (Koichi’s fourth son), Hidetoshi Taniguchi (Koichi’s second son), Larry Isemoto, Mr. Kimura (KTA accountant), Richard Taniguchi (Koichi’s nephew), Yukiwo Taniguchi (Koichi’s first son), Taniyo & Koichi, unknown, Rev. Tsuji. KTA Super Store courtesy photo.