[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 6]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 8632]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 CONGRATULATING WALLY MIURA OF HONOLULU, HAWAII ON 50 YEARS IN BUSINESS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MAZIE K. HIRONO

                               of hawaii

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 2, 2011

  Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, many of us come to the floor to talk about 
how important small businesses are to job creation. It's true. In 
Hawaii, 98 percent of our businesses are considered small businesses; 
these small businesses provide two out of every three new jobs. The men 
and women who take the risk of starting a business create jobs for our 
neighbors while providing the goods and services vital to our quality 
of life Today, I want to take a minute to recognize an important 
anniversary for one of the many unsung heroes of Hawaii's business 
community.
  This month, Wally Miura celebrates 50 years in business. In 1961, he 
opened a flooring business, Wally's Flooring, in Kalihi. After 37 
successful years, Wally decided it was time to retire so he sold his 
building on Hau Street. He took a one year lease on a warehouse in 
Mapunapuna to store his inventory. That was in 1998.
  Retirement never really took hold. Wally turned his storage space 
into an office and showroom and is still in business today. He says 
he's going to retire this year--we'll see. As a former customer, I know 
he will be missed by the many Hawaii businesses and families that have 
relied on his excellent service over the years.
  Wally is modest, kind, and a very good businessman. In Hawaii, it's 
not just about who provides the lowest price. You want to work with 
someone who is proud of his company and stands behind his product and 
his work. That's Wally. I don't know how many jobs Wally has created 
over the past 50 years, how many young employees he mentored, or 
families he helped support with his business, but I am sure that he has 
had a positive effect on many, many lives.
  In addition to being an exemplary businessman, Wally has been a 
leader in the building industry. He has been involved in many building 
associations and has served as president of the Honolulu Neighborhood 
Housing Service. Wally has also served on the advisory board to 
Ho`opono, Services for the Blind Branch, Hawaii Vocational 
Rehabilitation Division.
  Mahalo nui loa, Wally. You are a great example of the small business 
owners whose vision, willingness to take a risk, and hard work are so 
essential to our economy and way of life.

                          ____________________