Three-Generation K. Takata Store in North Kohala Sold to Puna Plantation

KOHALA, HAWAIʻI — Hilo-based Puna Plantation Hawaii, Ltd. (Puna Plantation), owner of the KTA Super Stores, KTA Express and KTA Pharmacy banners, will officially acquire the K. Takata Store (Takata), a 10,625-square-foot, family-owned grocery store in Kapaʻau on Sept. 23, 2024. Takata Store owners and brothers Rayton and Jerry Takata are set to retire; they initiated the sale to Puna Plantation to continue serving the community's needs.


Puna Plantation plans to continue operating the store under the Takata banner, focusing on convenience and popular-demand items, with an intent to maintain its entire current workforce. The Takata Store has a smaller format and product selection than that of KTA Super Stores, and as such, KTA Super Stores coupons, specials and loyalty points won't be offered, made valid or honored at the Takata Store.

Manuel “Mano” Gusman has been appointed the new Takata Store Director, after working his way up from being a store clerk, his position when he started there 24 years ago.



Keizo and Hatsuko Takata established the store in Hāwī in 1923 before the family relocated it to its current site in Kapaʻau in 1992. Keizo and Hatsuko’s son, Shiro, and Shiro’s wife, Clara, succeeded Keizo and Hatsuko, and Shiro and Clara’s sons, Rayton and Jerry, joined the business in the 1980s, after they returned from college.

“It's been a joy for our family and associates to serve the Kohala community for more than 100 years,” elder brother Rayton said. “Our mission was to support Kohala by providing as many products and services for our customers locally. You know, here in Hawaiʻi, we use ‘local’ to describe and define many aspects of our lives.

“In 2010, with the closing of the Kaneshiro Store in Honokaʻa, we found ourselves without an economical or timely way of receiving inventory. Knowing how the closure would impact the smaller grocery stores, KTA reached out with an offer to share shipping space in their containers. The result has been an uninterrupted supply of goods to the people of North Kohala.

“Indirectly, KTA has been involved in the support of our community for the last 14 years. Although we compete in the same market segment, KTA has embraced kōkua over competition, and that is how I define ‘local.’ I would like to wholeheartedly welcome an old friend home.”



“The K. Takata Store is a cherished landmark and trusted part of the North Kohala community,” Toby Taniguchi, President of Puna Plantation, said. “With a strong management team and dedicated associates, the store is well-run and provides customers with the products and services they depend on. We are honored that Rayton and Jerry have entrusted us with continuing their remarkable family legacy of serving this community.”

The sale includes the Takata store property at 54-3627 ʻAkoni Pule Highway in Kapaʻau. The terms of the deal have not been disclosed.
About Puna Plantation Hawaiʻi, Ltd.
Puna Plantation Hawaii, Ltd. is a Hilo-based grocery and pharmacy organization. Its core brands include KTA Super Stores, KTA Express and KTA Pharmacy. It was founded in 1916, as a modest 500-square-foot grocery and dry-goods store, by Koichi and Taniyo Taniguchi. Since then, KTA has grown to become the largest Big Islander-owned and -operated grocery chain, with seven locations islandwide and more than 800 employees. One hundred eight years after the company’s founding, current President Toby Taniguchi still upholds the philosophy of KTA’s founder, his great-grandfather, Koichi Taniguchi, which is a commitment to humbly serve the people and communities of the Island of Hawaiʻi. For more information, please visit www.ktasuperstores.com.

Media Contact
Name: Debbie Arita | Email: debbie_arita@ktasuperstores.com | Phone: (808) 959-4575 ext. 40611