HANAMA‘ULU– On Tuesday, the full service at Shell gas station in Hanama‘ulu next to 7-11 opened its doors back up, with balloons silently signaling that they are back in business.
The Shell gas station is the only gas station on Kaua‘i to provide an attendant that pumps gas for their customers.
Dina Reis, assistant manager said her company bought out the gas station from the original owners, though the business is pretty much the same – except for some interior remodeling.
“It was our company’s call on reopening. I guess because everybody staying home, the gas prices are going down, so they figure some people don’t want to get out of their car so we can offer them that still,” said Reis.
Reis is one of five employees currently working at the Shell station, and she said they’re currently looking for more to join their team.
“Right now we are running from Monday – Saturday, 8 a.m. through 5 p.m. If we get more workers we could run from Sunday through Saturday, from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.,” said Reis.
Like many other businesses looking into opening up or taking bigger steps to open, Shell took some time to reorganize and make some new improvements outside and inside of their station.
Right now the inside of their store is remodeled, and nothing is being sold yet. Due to the social distancing, they are only allowing one side of the station for 2-4 cars to line up and wait to be serviced.
Shell’s staff Pua Brun was excited for their quiet grand opening.
“Everybody has been really happy and supportive that we are back,” said Brun.
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Stephanie Shinno, features and community reporter, can be reached at 245-0424 or sshinno@thegardenisland.com.
