Posted on: Monday, December 6, 2004
Giving's a tradition at Waimanalo market
By Eloise Aguiar
Advertiser Windward O'ahu Writer
WAIMANALO — When Clarence Shima purchased the Lau Fai Store about 60 years ago he sold the basics: shave ice, animal feed, kerosene from large barrels and gas.
Jeff Widener • The Honolulu Advertiser For this support Shima has been selected grand marshal for the annual Waimanalo Christmas Parade.
Shima's Supermarket donates to at least 20 community groups, said Andrew Jamila Jr., parade coordinator. The father set the example and the children have followed his lead, giving to the parade, carnival and canoe club, to name a few, Jamila said.
"He's a pillar in our community," he said. "They are always there when different organizations need help."
Jamila said he remembers taking his kids to the store when they were young, and Mrs. Shima always stopping what she was doing to give a treat to the kids.
"That's the way these people were," he said. "They get Hawaiian in their hearts and they give."
Plus they know you by name there, Jamila said. "It's a mom-and-pop store that has weathered these times of change."
Shima purchased the plantation store in 1947, said Ron Shima, his son.
He changed the name to Waimanalo Market and along with his wife, Maryann, catered to the needs of the community, including offering free delivery and in-house charge accounts, Ron Shima said.
Clarence, who was a painting contractor before owning the market, went to Ohio to learn to be a meat cutter, his son said.
When a fire demolished the store in 1967, Shima's Supemarket was built at its present location. Ron Shima began taking over the operation of the 8,000 square-foot store in 1972.
Ron Shima said his father taught him the business and giving was always part of it.
"We try to support the community events as much as we can," he said. "It's important for the store to be part of the community, to help the community where it can."
Operating on a shoestring budget, the Waimanalo Christmas Parade is still seeking monetary donations to continue its tradition of giving candy to the kids along the parade route and serving lunch and refreshments after the event to participants, Jamila said.
The parade has about 50 entries signed up including the Kailua High School Band, Marine Corps marching unit, Arnold Dowling & Classic Cars, "Dog" Chapman and the Corvette Car Club.
Reach Eloise Aguiar at eaguiar@honoluluadvertiser.com or 234-5266.
Shima, 88, is retired now and his children are carrying on his legacy. At the store, known to everyone in the community as Shima's Store, the basics are still available and local groups know they can turn to its owners for support for their activities, fund-raisers and sports.
Clarence Shima, 88, rubs a ghost Santa Claus beard as he talks about being chosen as grand marshal for the Waimanalo parade. He received the honor for the legacy of giving that his store has earned.
