Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Thursday, November 14, 2024 76° Today's Paper


Hawaii News

Struggling grocery co-op Kokua Market devises rescue plan

1/3
Swipe or click to see more
(Video by Craig T. Kojima / ckojima@staradvertiser.com)
Kokua Market was ready to close in December, but new board leadership has created a revitalization plan that includes redoing much of the store offerings as well as obtaining loans and contributions from members.
2/3
Swipe or click to see more

CRAIG T. KOJIMA / CKOJIMA@STARADVERTISER.COM

Laurie Carlson, founding member of Kokua Market in 1971 and general manager from 1979 to 1984, has joined the cooperative’s board to lead a revitalization plan after the former board wanted to shut down the store amid financial difficulty.

3/3
Swipe or click to see more

CRAIG T. KOJIMA / CKOJIMA@STARADVERTISER.COM

Kokua Market was established in 1971, and founders had to change state law to allow a consumer co-op business to exist in Hawaii.