HAPPY VALLEY, Maui >> Jisho Takamiya wanted a better job than the one he had as an immigrant laborer from Okinawa working for Wailuku Sugar Co. on Maui.

Using land he bought in Happy Valley, his sons Jin and Kenneth along with son-in-law Seikichi Sakihara took over the operation of a small fish market in 1946 and expanded it into a modest grocery store.

Jisho's youngest son, James Takamiya, later introduced ready-to-eat packaged food for island-style tastes at Takamiya Market Inc. and developed Dani's catering business.

This month, owner-manager James Takamiya is starting his retirement and turning over the reins to a partnership that includes his daughter Michele Hondo, son David and nephew Lance.

By Gary T. Kubota Honolulu Star Bulletin 09/17/2006

Takamiya Market was recipient of the 2010 RMH Ho'okela Retail Business of the Year for Maui award.