Fukushima Store: Repurposing a Historical Building
By Ma‘ata Tukuafu
When you walk into Union Pasifika Tattoo shop in Waimea, you are greeted with a multitude of things to look at: a dragon and tiger intertwining in a mural on the walls and ceiling, colorful artwork, vintage photos, and interesting memorabilia. Eugene Menor opened his tattoo shop in the corner of the old Fukushima Store building, also the home to the Fish and the Hog restaurant. His grand opening was held on March 5, 2020. For a few days Eugene worked, then COVID-19 hit the scene.
Eugene grew up in San Jose, California and traveled the world doing humanitarian work. He moved to Hawai‘i 20 years ago, living mostly on O‘ahu. He fell in love with Hawai‘i Island, specifically Waimea, after seeing all the hāpu‘u fern growing in the area. A resident of Waimea for three years now, Eugene says he had been searching for a storefront for his business, and when he saw the space, he knew it was going to be his.
“Two other tattooists told me it was too small,” Eugene says, “but it was perfect for me.”
He found out that the space had once been the site of the Fukushima Store’s gas station, a Chinese apothecary, a pet grooming shop, and, more recently, a T-shirt printing business. Don’s Pake Kitchen was also located next to it, and Eugene says he has found the history of the place intriguing. Using the knowledge of what the space has held, he has created a work area that ensconces everything he loves, believes in, and meditates on.
An artist and muralist as well as a tattooist, Eugene painted the tiger and dragon mural for balance of yin and yang, and everything he moved into the shop was with intention. “If you’ve never gone through pain, you won’t have the healing,” Eugene says. He calls his shop a place of healing.
During the very slow and quiet period for most of 2020, Eugene says he spent a lot of time meditating and listening every day. He wanted to find a vintage gas pump similar to what used to be in front of the building up to the 1970s. He asked around and eventually a friend told him about an old gas pump he’d come across at a warehouse in Kalōpā.
“My friend called me and gave me the coordinates, and I drove up there and started knocking on doors,” Eugene explains. “I finally found a woman who said it was her father who had acquired it from the old Fukushima Store in the 40s, when they replaced the old gas pumps with new ones.”
Trying not to show too much excitement, Eugene was told by the woman that her brother owned it, gave him directions to his home, and said her brother might sell it. Eugene was able to purchase the antique pump from the man for $100, and after a friend restored it, he placed it in the front of his shop, back to its rightful position. Eugene reflects, “This is an example of listening.”
Eugene says the history of the place has inspired him to honor the people who have done business there before him, and he is grateful to have the space to work in.
Not much is known about the history of the building, though it is remarkable that it has been restored and is being used by several businesses now. The Fish and the Hog Restaurant (formerly Huli Sue’s) is doing well and offers take-out lunches and dinners. Waimea Wellness Boutique is accessed from the rear of the building, as well as Keiki Therapy (pediatric occupational therapy), and Aloha Medical Supplies and Services. It is truly a place of healing.
At Honoka‘a’s Heritage Center (NHERC), there is an exhibit about Waimea curated by Dr. Momi Naughton. Installed in December 2019, it will be in place for two years and, though small, it is an excellent history of Waimea town’s early times through the 1970s. Dr. Naughton, who remembers Fukushima Store, said it closed in the late 70s and there used to be a ceramic studio as well as a dress shop located in the back. She was able to find a few articles and facts about the building.
According to Alvin Wakayama of Kamuela Liquor, many of the old timers who used to frequent the store have passed on. “It’s the generation before me…my mom and dad who would remember what it was like at the store back then,” Alvin says.
Eugene keeps a photo of Mr. Fukushima in his shop; it portrays a handsome young man who was a paniolo (cowboy) for Parker Ranch and Sam Parker. On his altar are photos of the Kihoi family ancestors, men and women who were the fabric of Waimea’s illustrious past. “In the end, what is important?” Eugene asks. “It’s definitely family.” ❖
For more information:
eukarezt.com
Honoka‘a Heritage Center – email nherc@hawaii.edu
