For immediate release: January 5, 2022
Press Release by:
Michael J. Molina, Councilmember
Maui County Council
T Komoda Store & Bakery celebrates 105th anniversary
MAKAWAO, Hawai’i—Councilmember Michael J. Molina announced today he has introduced a resolution for Friday’s council meeting congratulating T Komoda Store & Bakery, also known as Komoda’s, for serving as a pillar in our community for over a century.
The resolution congratulates T Komoda’s Store & Bakery on its 105th anniversary, serving Maui since 1916. Founder Takezo Komoda opened the store selling mostly sandwiches on their homemade bread, saimin and doughnuts to local cowboys and plantation workers. In 1947, they evolved into the beloved bakery and general store they are famous for today.
“You can’t think about Makawao town without thinking about Komoda’s. Komoda’s is loved and cherished by our community and is a living legacy that can never be duplicated,” Molina said. “Like many families on Maui, family traditions and memories were made involving Komoda’s iconic glazed donuts, butter rolls or Chantilly cake.”
The bakery is an anchor tenant of Makawao and lone survivor of the mom-and-pop shops in the area. Famous for its cream puffs, stick donuts, long Johns, guava malasadas and other delicious pastries, Komoda’s exceptional baked goods are known for leaving a lasting impression with customers that often makes for repeat business.
Komoda’s opens at 7am every day except Wednesday and Sunday, but they are often sold out of neighborhood favorites by 10am.
Mr. Komoda’s legacy lives on through his granddaughter Betty Shibuya and her husband, Calvin Shibuya. The Shibuyas pride themselves on the quality of their products and avoiding waste. They still use the original cream puff recipe created by Mr. Komoda’s brother, Ikuo, in the 1960’s.
“Mr. and Mrs. Shibuya work very hard to maintain the quality of their products and the stellar reputation of their store and bakery,” said Molina who holds the council seat for the Makawao-Ha‘ikū-Pa‘ia residency area. “They continue to display the type of dedication and commitment required to run a successful business in these difficult times.”
Members of the public can view the council meeting on Akakū Channel 53 or provide testimony via video conference link or phone number listed on the meeting agenda at MauiCounty.us/agendas.
In addition to receiving testimony by phone or video conference, the council will accept written testimony. For instructions on submitting written testimony, please visit http://mauicounty.us/testify/.
For more information visit Mauicounty.us or contact the Office of Council Services at (808)270-7838.
###
paf:brs:21-369b:gh