The ‘Disco’ Era Is Still Going Strong

MARGE FUNASAKI general manager of Mid-Town Radio/Disco Mart

When Mid-Town Radio/ Disco Mart opened in 1947, Harry Truman was in the second year of his presidency, Jackie Robinson made history as the first African-American to play Major League Baseball and Miracle on 34th Street premiered in movie theaters.

In 2022, Mid-Town Radio/Disco Mart celebrated its 75th anniversary, and we extend our profound gratitude to the people of Hawai‘i for allowing us to serve you for three-quarters of a century. Our story is a familiar one in the islands. My parents, Toshio and Yoshiko Yamamoto, emigrated from Japan to work at the Waipahu Sugar Mill, and later opened what was then a small radio repair and electronics shop on Depot Road, just a few blocks away from the mill. They were the mom and pop of our family’s “mom and pop” shop.

In 1976, my father added a second location, Disco Mart, and began selling furniture as well as appliances and electronics. “Disco” is an abbreviation of the word “discount” but humorously caused some confusion during the 1970s for young folks thinking our big warehouse, just off of Farrington Highway in Waipahu, was something else altogether.

Mid-Town Radio/Disco Mart celebrates its 75th anniversary. Pictured are (from left) Francis Siu, Jonie Kaya, owner Eunice Soeda, Kelsey Yamanaka, Ehukai Wong and owner/general manager Marge Funasaki. PHOTOS COURTESY MID-TOWN RADIO/DISCO MART

Together with my sister, Eunice, we have worked each day to continue our parents’ legacy and provide the friendly, local customer service that is so special in Hawai‘i. As small-business owners, we understand the important role we play in supporting our community and have had the good fortune of caring for and providing quality furniture and appliances to multiple generations of island families at the best prices in town (or country).

Mahalo nui loa to our generations of loyal customers. The Yamamoto family is proud to have been a part of your lives for the past 75 years and honored to continue serving you and our incredible island home.