Mac Kawamura had a vision of not letting the Kawamura family name be forgotten. “He had a vision,” said Ed Kawamura, Mac’s son. “He started with rat bait in this area which was a Japanese school. When the war (World
Mac Kawamura had a vision of not letting the Kawamura family name be forgotten.
“He had a vision,” said Ed Kawamura, Mac’s son. “He started with rat bait in this area which was a Japanese school. When the war (World War II) broke out, they converted this to military headquarters. I went to kindergarten at Wilcox School and left for 20 years in the military.”
When he returned home in 1978, Ed said he started working for his dad. His son, Ed Jr., was already working at M. Kawamura Farm Enterprises, starting back in 1977.
“It was hard knocks,” Ed Jr. said. “The (Ed’s) military ways were still there, but life got better. Changes took place, but change is for the better — Hurricane Iniki took the old buildings and we got new buildings on the same footprint. I got to go to college. Equipment changed. Points and condensers were replaced with electronic ignition. It’s got to be for the better.”
Today, M. Kawamura Farm Enterprises is filled with ohana.
Together, they share the challenges of operating the agricultural and garden supply house and feed store — a feeling of lokahi that overflows into family events, such as sharing a meal, or community events, including the store’s own expo, the Veterans Day parade, or big holiday parades.
“We have three generations working here,” Ed said. “Sons, grandchildren, daughters-in-law, and even my daughter, Susan Kawamura-Mayer, who just retired from the post office and started coming in part time.”
Daniel, another son, said working for family is OK.
“It’s interesting,” he said, rushing off to help a customer with a riding mower.
