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still ask for tarai (tub in Japanese)—biggalvanized tubs that can be used foreverything from bathing children totorching to being played as a crude bassin an impromptu jam session—whichMisaki will bring in if he can find them.The market also still allows old timersto take their groceries on credit and paymonthly as they did in the old days, butnewer customers pay by plastic or cashas the old ways die out. No doubt thereis some change. “But compared to otherislands,” says Misaki, “our clock is slow.”Misaki appears to have no regretsin coming back to run the store. “I getto interact with different people everyday,” he says. “A grocery store in asmall town is a part of [people’s] sociallives…it’s a place to see friends and talkstory.” Quoting a line from the Cheerssitcom theme song, he says it’s a place“where everybody knows your name.”Still, it’s a very hard business, saysMisaki, who puts in at least 90 hours aweek. He doesn’t push any of his threechildren—ages 19, 29, and 31—to takeover the market when he retires, but hewould like to see Misaki’s continue forthe people and the employees.Store hours are 8:30 am to 8:30 pmMondays through Saturdays, and 9:00am to 12:00 pm on Sundays. “I try toclose on holidays…we’re closed Mother’sDay, but open on Father’s Day,” hechuckles. “I like to keep my girls happy!”Deer head trophies adornthe interior of Misaki’s.In times past, Misaki’s used to close onSundays, and each day, through the early’70s, the whole town closed for lunchfrom noon to one o’clock. But if thepace is more hurried today, it’s not muchmore hurried. “People want tourism, butit leads to growth,” says Misaki, whofeels that perhaps the biggest changeis that people are aware of what theyProduce at Misaki’shave on Molokai and want to protectwhat’s special about the island. “Othersthink we’re anti-growth, but we’re not.We’re just trying to protect the island.”Kevin is unsure of what will happento Misaki’s after his generation, but ifthe people have become aware of theMahalo to all our customersand suppliers.We appreciate yourcontinued support.GroceriesDry GoodsLiquorMeatFresh ProduceW e wish to extend our“Friendly” welcome to thenew leadership of HFIA.Congratulations!Misaki’s, Inc.P.O. Box 69, Kaunakakai, Molokai, 96748Phone: 808 553-5505Meat Dept. 808-553-5515Third GenerationServing Molokai Since 1922808.553.559590 Ala Malama St.Kaunaka Kai, HI 96748HAWAII RETAIL GROCER - CONVENTION ISSUE 2011 27