Kalihi machine shop closing after 80-plus years in business

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – A family-owned business that began during World War II is set to close its doors.

Read more ‘So unbelievable’: Molokai flood victim helps others recover

Let’s go holoholo to Ted’s Automotive Machine Shop in Kalihi.

Inside Ted’s Automotive Machine Shop in Kalihi, owner Craig Takeguchi points to a red machine in the corner and smiles at the memory. That spot, he said, used to be where his mother’s desk sat — and where he rode his tricycle as a kid, weaving through the same workspace he now manages.

Takeguchi owns and runs the family machine shop that his parents, Ted and Barbara Takeguchi, opened on Queen Emma Street in downtown Honolulu in 1944. With help from Takeguchi’s uncle, the business later moved to its current location along Mokauea Street in 1958.

Craig Takeguchi said his family’s roots in Hawaiʻi go back generations. His father, Ted, grew up in ʻEwa, where Takeguchi’s grandfather farmed. But Ted wasn’t drawn to agricultural life, Craig said — he wanted something different, and he made his way to Honolulu to build a trade.

Over the decades, Ted’s Automotive became known for a specialized kind of work that many drivers don’t often see, machining and refurbishing critical engine and vehicle components.

“If a component of a vehicle breaks down, they would remove it from the vehicle, and they would bring it here for us to do the machining,” Takiguchi explained. “That’s our job, a machine shop. So, we would refurbish whatever parts necessary, and they would take it back and repair a vehicle. It’s like a specialization.”

Takeguchi officially joined the business in 1978 after graduating from business college with a marketing degree. He said his mother encouraged him to help — and he didn’t hesitate.

“I always had a passion for automotive anyway,” he said.

After his uncle retired in 1993, Craig took on an even bigger role and expanded the operation.

“That’s when I really went out, and I grew the business more,” he said. “I took all the risks. I purchased this property, built this building, and more than doubled the size.”

Read more UH men’s volleyball holds first practice ahead of NCAA semifinals

Customers say the shop’s reputation has lasted for decades.

“Oh, it’s the best place,” said Scott Murakami, who has been coming to Ted’s Automotive Machine Shop since the 1980s. “I mean, when you need machining done, this is the place to come to.”

Murakami said he first connected with Takeguchi through motorsports.

“We’re into drag racing and all kinds of motor sports,” he said. “So got to know Craig over the years, and he’s always helped us out a lot.”

Now, after more than 80 years in operation, Takeguchi said the shop is preparing to close for good — a decision that has been difficult for longtime customers and friends.

“It’s gonna be sad,” Takeguchi said. “But the most part I’m gonna miss is the people.”

Murakami said that learning about the closure hit hard.

“It hurts,” he said. “I had lunch yesterday with friends, and I found out about it. So, I made time to come over and see how Craig is doing and kind of find out what happened. Yeah, it’s shocking.”

As for what comes next, Takeguchi said he’s ready to prioritize his health and spend time with family — including on the pickleball court with his wife and traveling more.

He’s also looking forward to a new role: grandpa.

“Babysit my kind of new grandson,” he said. “Grandson, his name is Theodore. Actually, my daughter named Theodore after my father, Ted.”

Takeguchi said Ted’s Automotive Machine Shop’s last day of operations will be Friday, May 22.

Read more ‘It’s our stories’: Inaugural Wailuku Film Festival features homegrown talent