HB Archives

1960
A Growing Tradition

The five original buildings sitting on the Honolulu Community College lot in Kalihi were known collectively in 1960 as Honolulu Technical School. High school graduates across the state attended trade classes in 18 specialties. Trades included, among other things, aircraft repair, cosmetology and masonry. Tuition at what Hawaii Industry called, "the most comprehensive state-run trade school systems in the country," was a mere $50 for the year.

According to Hawaii Industry, registration "will continue to increase as the demand for skilled workmen becomes more crucial." The physical plant has grown. The 12-acre campus of 1960 has expanded to more than 20 acres over the years.

1970
The Long and Winding Road

In 1970, Hawaii Business featured the historic Hasegawa General Store as "one of Hawaii's most unusual retail operations." The aisles of the country store come alive in descriptions of Spam-stocked shelves, tourist key chains and hanging muumuu.

"Few children [of small-business owners] want to stay in the difficult business, with its long hours and small profits," Hawaii Business reported. With customers living 18 miles in each direction on the notoriously windy Highway 36, it's been no small feat for the store in Hana, Maui, to stay afloat. However, the store has not only survived the years, it has moved into its fourth generation of Hasegawa ownership and survived a devastating fire in August 1990.

1985
Taking Down the Tree

"It's not easy being a once-a-year business," Hawaii Business reported in August 1985. "Seasonal companies must generate most of their annual revenues during one brief, but very busy period in a year." Christmas tree salesman, Tobias Seaman's busy period ran from mid-December through Christmas, working 20 hours each day. Although grueling, he "usually makes enough during the holiday season to finance his desired lifestyle the remainder of the year," Hawaii Business reported.

Since starting his business in 1968, Seaman's duties ran far beyond the lot, often taking him along the west coast to select, and even cut down, trees destined for Oahu homes. After 36 years in the business, Seaman sold his last tree this past holiday season. He is now a part-time legal researcher.