KAPA‘A — Kaua‘i Music and Sound’s new location in front of Cost U Less is drawing in customers, curious about the temporary banners marking its home. Formerly located at the entrance to the Arzadon Industrial Park across Leonard’s Chevron gas
KAPA‘A — Kaua‘i Music and Sound’s new location in front of Cost U Less is drawing in customers, curious about the temporary banners marking its home.
Formerly located at the entrance to the Arzadon Industrial Park across Leonard’s Chevron gas station, the music store now occupies the space formerly taken by American Savings Bank.
“We’ve been looking for a long time,” said Tom Owen, the luthier repair specialist at the shop. “We’ve always wanted to be in Kapa‘a and on the main highway.”
The shop officially opened its doors at its new location on July 1 and is in the process of trying to settle everything in time for the re-grand opening.
“We’ve already gotten a lesson room where music lessons are provided during the day,” said Owen. “We’re also working on installing a recording studio. Everything else is still the same, only in a bigger space.”
Owen was called away to help Tori Tuttle decide on which Kala ‘ukulele she would take back to college.
“She has one now, but it’s a Kamaka, so it’s staying home,” Tori’s mom said, approving as Tori settled on a concert series, a gig bag and a set of replacement strings.
Allan Domingo, the store’s manager — who juggled between helping customers differentiate between the different types of ‘ukulele, preparing for the Kaua‘i Music Festival of which the shop is a sponsor and trying to set up things in the shop — said American Savings Bank vacated the space in 2010, and they were lucky to find it.
Domingo said the shop is owned by Dave Greenberg, who busy setting up at the Kaua‘i Music Festival, is normally at the shop to help customers as well.
A dealer for Martin guitars, Domingo said they also carry other brands such as Aria, and in one corner, a customer noted that Taylor (guitars) are all in one section, pointing out several used Taylors.
The public is invited to the grand re-opening of Kaua‘i Music and Sound from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. July 23. A short blessing will take place at 10 a.m., then the fun begins all the way through 7 p.m.
“We’re in the process of getting a sign permit,” Owen said. “Unfortunately, the permit doesn’t transfer when you get a new location so we’ve had to re-apply. In the meantime, there are the temporary banners letting people know where we are — in Kapa‘a, on the highway.”
Store hours are Mondays through Fridays 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturdays 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call 823-8000 for more information.
• Dennis Fujimoto, photographer and staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253) or dfujimoto@ thegardenisland.com.
