10/10/2024
October 9th 2024 update (I cross-posted on GoFundMe as well as Kihei Pet Supply's page)- Aloha everyone. It is with a heavy heart that I have to announce Kihei Pet Supply closed it's doors on September 27th, 2024.
I feel horrible, I'm not going to lie. I tried so hard to keep things going, but there just wasn't enough business to be able to pay the rent, utilities, and vendors. I diversified the offerings to include things other than food/treats/toys, offering services such as boarding cats and birds as well as in store dog training provided by Jayme of Ohana Pet. The money just wasn't coming in fast enough to keep up.
I was served a notice to pay rent or vacate on September 10th at the store. I tried to refinance 1 of my business loans to get some money together to move to a smaller location, but the refinance was denied and put the final nail in the coffin. I was fortunate someone came forward and helped with the rent, but the reality is/was that even with their help, I could not continue another month. The last thing I wanted to do was close up shop, but this was the official sign that I had to pack it in and call it a day.
I had 7 cats in the store that I could not bring into my home due to my landlord having a Rottweiler on constant patrol that isn't cat friendly. I was fortunate that 4 were privately adopted out, 3 went to Maui Humane to be fast tracked to the Cat Cafe in Kahului. Cali made it to the Cat Cafe and was adopted out, Sassy is still at MHS due to kidney issues and Thomas is still at MHS (don't know why though). My heart has been crushed non-stop at having to give up the cats, but I know I didn't have any options left that would ensure their health and safety going forward.
I've also had several people unabashedly tell me off in public and on social media for having to rehome the cats, as though I don't feel depressed and upset enough as it is. I fought very hard trying to keep Kihei Pet Supply in business, I put my heart into it, I took out several loans, I easily worked 70+ hours/week in the store, and now... it's gone. SBA didn't help (denied loan 3x), FEMA didn't help (live Kihei, store in Kihei, too bad), and every other outreach/assistance all said no help available. I did everything I possibly could within my power, and I am so upset to have let the community down.
I turned over the keys on Friday September 27th, after I spent most of the week clearing everything out and cleaning everything. The turnover went smoothly, I had to come back to the property management's office sign off on the unit, and things hit hard right after that. The store is closed. The cats I loved and cared for are gone. The bills that are still due are coming to my house. I don't own, I rent... I don't even own a vehicle. Almost everything is in collections. I am going to default on my fed and state tax payment agreements. I'm overwhelmed. My heart hurts, I'm severely depressed, and I'm BROKE (literally have $5.74 to survive on). I have been using my credit cards to buy groceries, but even those are almost all maxed out.
This is my last ask for help. I appreciate everyone that has and does help. I know a lot of people are in the same or worse position as myself. I need help, not hate. I need understanding, not blame. I tried my best, and this time, I lost. I have 6 figures worth of debt I need to deal with. It literally took me nearly 2 weeks to announce the closure and be able to talk about it. This hit me hard, and coupled with depression, I have taken a massive beating mentally and emotionally.
Thank you everyone for allowing Kihei Pet Supply to have lasted 17 years. I was a customer prior to being an employee and then owner, and we couldn't have survived that long without you.
All my best,
Joe
https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-save-kihei-pet-supply
