HONOLULU (KHON2) — A walk through Roots and Relics on Merchant Street is like taking a step back in time.
“There’s a history of golf clubs over here. Man, you can see stuff Tiger Woods, kind of clubs,” said Keith Tanaka, Roots and Relics owner. “That’s the thing I’m going to miss. All the guys who go to the Hawaiian Open and Sony and stuff.”
Now, after nearly 35 years in business, selling golf gear both new and used, Tanaka is ready to take a swing at the 19th hole.
“It’s what I plan on not doing. Don’t have to get up early, don’t have to worry about this and paying the rent” Tanaka added.
Tanaka says that with the lease up soon, the time is right for him to move on. Customers say for them it is a change that will impact their routine.
“Oh, you never know what you will find, right?” It’s always good, you know, always changing inventory, so you never know what’s gonna be a surprise,” said Jacob Pamatigan, a Roots and Relics customer. “Yeah, that’s why it’s good fun.”
It’s the customers that matter most to Tanaka. When he’s not greeting customers inside, he’s standing guard outside.
“And seeing all my old friends walk by, you know, over here is like, you see everybody so kind of enjoy it. That’s the thing I’m going to miss the most.”
And inside running the show, is manager Claudia Fung.
“She’s the boss. I don’t know what he’s doing. He’s talking to a lot of people. But she’s very helpful in anything you want,” said Dennis Kanno, another customer.
“We meet so many different guys, and guys from all over the place, all over the world, actually,” said Fung. “And a lot of people from all over the world come here to Europe, Japan, Australia. Amazing. How they hear about this small little place.”
Fung adds, “Thanks for all the business and support all these years. We’re gonna miss you guys.”
As Tanaka prepares to say aloha at the end of September, he’s taking his own walk down memory lane.
“That’s the thing I like the most, lots of beginners came in here. Started golfing, start playing. It’s been a journey, enjoyable journey,” Tanaka said.