Gauging Napa’s Customer Service

Hi Pamela,

Recently, the sensor for my tires went off, telling me that I had low pressure. My husband was out of town, and I had no clue what to do.

I went into Napa Auto Parts in Kapolei to purchase a tire gauge, but received so much more from the staff there. Kekoa proceeded to come out to my car to check the pressure in all four of my tires.

The pressure was right on, and he told me that I was OK for now, but that if it happened again to go into the dealer for help.

I was so appreciative that someone would go the extra mile to help me when I was uncertain of what to do. Kekoa was so friendly and knowledgeable, providing top-notch customer service.

It is so nice to know that there are people like Kekoa out there who are willing to help others in need.

Since I don’t know anything about cars, he could have easily just sold me the gauge and sent me on my way, but he really took care of the situation.

Thank you, Kekoa!

I hope you read this and know how grateful I was to have had your help! I cannot thank you enough!

Kara Goodrich
Kapolei

Dear Kara,

Kekoa Baker is a recent Leeward Community College graduate who has been working at Kapolei Auto Parts for only four months.

“I love my job,” he says. “I remember Mrs. Goodrich. She had a child in the car. It was a simple thing to check the pressure and let her know what was happening. Sensors are tricky. Even the slightest difference will make them trigger.

“Helping our customers is just part of the job.”

Aloha Pamela,

Last night, while eating dinner and catching up on MidWeek, I read your article about three guys and the stalled car on Vineyard.

I’m Tom, mentioned in the story. What makes this report extra special is that it happened a long time ago.

That night, driving to dinner at a restaurant and heading ewa on Vineyard, I pulled into the left-turn lane at the Pali Intersection.

To my right was a stalled car in the middle lane – a girl, a woman (probably her mom) and a guy looking under the hood.

It looked like it would be difficult for one guy to push the car into the Vineyard right lane and around the right, slightly uphill corner on Pali, heading mauka.

I parked my car at Longs, went over, and the three of us pushed the car around the corner onto a right side lane. She called someone (I think her husband) and he called a tow trucking company.

Couldn’t think about dinner after that. Got into my car and drove over to make sure that they were OK. That’s when they asked me my name.

It’s special when a story like this comes full circle. Thank D. Lau for me.

Tom Thompson
Waialae-Iki

Dear Tom,

As the Laus of Kaneohe said in their APPLAUSE (MidWeek, May 1):

“It’s heartening to know there are folks out there willing to go out of their way to lend a hand. Mahalo, Tom!”

If you know someone who deserves some Applause, send your letters to Pamela Young, MidWeek Applause, KITV, 801 S.

King St., Honolulu, HI, 96813, or email pyoung@kitv.com. Include your na me, phone number and, if possible, the phone number of your “applaudee” so we can contact him or her.