City Mill Co., Ltd.

Oahu's Favorite Superhardware Store! http://www.citymill.com/ With a prospering business, he returned to China to bring his family to their new home.

waii eleven years earlier and had established himself as a merchant in Kohala, Kona Coast, Hawaii. As a young teenager and speaking neither English or Hawaiian, Chung Kun Ai enrolled in Iolani College (Bishops School) where he spent two years. Although these years represented his only formal English education, the experience profoundly influenced his life. It was here that Ai converted to Christianity, which was to remain the central force in his life. It was also at Iolani College where he met and developed a lasting friendship with a fellow student, Sun Tai-Cheong, later known to the world as Dr. Sun Yat Sen, father of the Chinese Republic. Their friendship provided a nucleus to formulate the principles of the Chinese Republic. Chung Kun Ai and Dr. Sun Yat Sen often talked about conditions in China. After many discussions it was decided to form an organization and to call it Hsing Chung Hui, which means “The Progressive Chinese Society”. Years later, Chung Kun Ai received the highest medal of honor from the Chinese government for his ability to recognize the needs of the people. Following his education at Iolani, at the age of 17, Ai’s father bought him a partnership in a tailor shop. However, the business did not appeal to Ai and he left the business in 1887. That same year, at the age of 21, Ai joined the firm of James I. Dowsett, a prominent businessman in the Islands’ early days, as a secretary, clerk and bookkeeper. Dowsett was engaged in a conglomerate of activities as a leading lumber importer, plantation owner, salt maker, the largest rancher in Hawaii and owner of 11 whaling ships. Dowsett had noticed the young Ai and asked him if he were interested in working for his firm. Chung Kun Ai was flattered by the request. So, in order to test Ai’s perseverence, Dowsett asked Ai to come back within a month, at a certain date and hour. Ai returned on the designated day and time and was then told to return within a week, at a certain date and hour. Ai returned again at the specific time –– and was hired. However, after the initial excitement about being hired for the job, Ai was ready to resign after one day. Ai wouldn’t answer any telephone calls, because he never learned how to operate a telephone. Fortunately, after Ai’s frustrating first day, Dowsett’s carriage driver taught Ai how to use the telephone. Ai eventually became Dowsett’s protege, earning his respect by his careful management of rent collection money. As a result, Dowsett allowed Ai to use half of his warehouse, in order for Ai to start a sideline business of his own. So while continuing as Dowsett’s clerk, Ai started importing ci**rs, tea, peanut oil, shoe nails and other items. Following Dowsett’s death in 1898, Ai continued to work at the company, refusing pay, while the estate was being settled. During the settlement, Ai purchased Dowsett’s swivel chair, upright safe and desk and decided to go into business for himself. Those items can still be seen at City Mill today. The Beginning of City Mill
about.history.FIRST-MILLWith $60,000 in capital, Chung Kun Ai started a lumber importing and rice milling business in Chinatown, Honolulu, and named it City Mill. City Mill’s beginning faced early hardships, however. When the business was just eight months old, the bubonic plague hit Honolulu. In order to arrest the spread of the disease, the Board of Health ordered all the buildings in the infested area burned. City Mill was not within the earmarked area, but unfortunately the wind shifted and spread the fire. As a result, Ai’s entire investment vanished; and without any insurance, he owed $25,000 to creditors. Ai was able to raise the needed capital to rebuild City Mill, having established himself in the community as a man with integrity and business acumen. He rebuilt his business steadily with the addition of new product lines. Then in 1907, disaster struck again in the form of financial panic, depleting Honolulu’s money supply, and leaving Ai unable to pay an outstanding C.O.D. shipment from abroad. Again, Ai’s personal reputation made it possible for him to borrow foreign capital in order to meet his obligations. Again in 1919, a fire burned City Mill. Fortunately, this time, insurance covered the damage. Vigilant
about.history.VIGILANTIn 1920, Ai commissioned the VIGILANT schooner in Hoquiam, Washington to carry lumber from the Pacific Northwest. VIGILANT carried 2,000,000 board feet of lumber each trip. The VIGILANT was the largest five-masted schooner to ply the Pacific – costing a quarter million dollars. The ship soon became a symbol of Chung Kun Ai’s own unsinkable spirit. It also demonstrated Ai’s personal commitment to bring top quality merchandise to his Honolulu customers, while keeping prices down.By the the early 1920’s, City Mill was so successful that Ai ventured into the pineapple business — the Honolulu Fruit Company, which owned 5 pineapple fields and a cannery. The Great Depression of the 30’s destroyed this business and severely jeopardized City Mill’s prosperity as well. Prior to World War II, in conjunction with home planning and building supplies, City Mill had the distinction of having the only rice mill in Honolulu and having the largest rice mill in Hawaii. It was the advent of that war which forced City Mill to abandon its rice operation and to concentrate on providing construction materials for the armed forces and civilians. By the war’s end, City Mill emerged as one of the largest building materials suppliers in the Pacific. Along the way Chung Kun Ai also ventured into other types of businesses with varying degrees of success in laundry, fishing, to***co and oil drilling. about.history.NIMITZIn 1950, Chung Kun Ai opened the present City Mill store on Nimitz Highway. The building was dedicated to James I. Dowsett, Ai’s mentor, friend and benefactor; the dedicatory plaque can still be viewed at the Nimitz store. The inscription on the plaque reads:
THE HONORABLE JAMES I. DOWSETT, 1829 – 1898. BENEFACTOR AND FORMER EMPLOYER OF C.K. AI, FOUNDER OF CITY MILL CO., LTD. INCORPORATED 1899

“He made a man of me,” Ai would explain, “and taught me all I know.” It was Ai’s character to never forget his friends, living by the Chinese proverb, “When you drink water, always remember its source.” He visited Dowsett’s grave every Memorial Day, a custom continued after Ai’s death by his daughter Clara… a tribute which lasted for 74 years. Throughout his misfortunes and successes, Ai retained a humility of spirit and generosity toward his fellow man. His devout Christian faith prompted him to share his success with others. He believed that “When you do evil, evil will come to you. And if you do good, good will come to you.” And “I expect to pass through this world but once. Any that I can do, let me do it now, as I shall not pass this way again.” As a result of these philosophies, he supported the shipping of clothing to China, Japan, India, Korea and Okinawa, for many years following World War II. And in 1953, he founded the Chung Kun Ai Foundation. The foundation has, over the past quarter century, aided churches, charitable organizations and deserving students throughout the world in obtaining higher education. Ai was also instrumental in building the First Chinese Church of Christ — the church was completed in 1929. He was one of the founders of the Nuuanu YMCA — the branch which became a symbol of brotherhood for the various ethnic groups on Oahu. about.history.SPLINTEREDIn 1956, in recognition of his exemplary family life, Chung Kun Ai was awarded “Father of the Year” by the Honolulu Chamber of Commerce. In 1957, Governor Samuel Wilder King bestowed upon Chung Kun Ai the “Order of the Splintered Paddle” for Ai’s outstanding service to mankind. This prestigious award, originated by Kamehameha the Great, has been awarded to only 26 people in almost two centuries. In 1960, Chung Kun Ai published his autobiography, MY SEVENTY-NINE YEARS IN HAWAII. He was 93 years of age at the time and was blessed to live to age 96. The Start of the Retail Division
Prior to 1950, City Mill was in the home planning, building supplies and lumber planing business. Then in 1950, City Mill opened its first retail store on Nimitz Highway, which was then called “Old Prison Road”. With each passing year, the sales gap between the Retail and Wholesale Divisions closed. David Ai placed more emphasis on the expanding retail market, keeping abreast of the changing consumer market and buying habits of homeowners. about.history.DAVID-C-AIDavid Ai managed this new retail division, while his sister, Esther Chong continued to manage the wholesale division. The first branch store opened in Kaneohe in 1960. In the summer of 1980, City Mill phased out the Wholesale Division, after 81 years of operation. Although this move made an emotional impact on the employees, contractors and community, the cessation of the Wholesale Division allowed City Mill’s management to concentrate its energies on the expansion of its retail home centers. City Mill Today
With the success of the retail home centers, City Mill expanded into the Honolulu suburbs. The second branch store opened in 1967 in Waipahu. In 1975, the third branch opened in Waimalu Shopping Center (Pearl City). The fourth store opened in early 1984 in Kaimuki. In 1993, two stores opened in Hawaii Kai and Mililani Town C

08/08/2024

01/08/2024

30/07/2024

🎉Pepsi Giveaway Alert!🎉 Get ready to chill in style with our Mahalo Plenty Pepsi Giveaway, sponsored by 🥤✨

We’re giving away an incredible prize pack worth $500, including:
🪑(2) City Mill folding chairs
🥤(2) 24pk Pepsi products (your choice!)
🧊90qt rolling cooler that keeps ice up to 5 days
🔋A Yeti 300 power station to power up your adventures

Don’t miss your chance to win! How to enter:
1️⃣Visit your neighborhood City Mill location
2️⃣Scan the QR code
3️⃣Fill out the form to enter

Hurry, the giveaway ends August 10, 2024 @ 11:59PM

Good luck, and may the fizz with you! 🍀

26/07/2024

18/07/2024

11/07/2024

05/07/2024

Wanna try your luck at winning a prize from City Mill? Don’t miss our Mahalo Plenty Power Tools event taking place on Saturday, July 27 at Pearl City, City Mill from 9am - 1pm! 🧰🔨

Special guest Shim will be in the house along with Island Radio 98.5 to pump the jams. This FREE event will feature your favorite powertools from brands like Makita, Milwaukee, Skil and DeWalt through live demonstrations and exciting giveaways every 30 minutes. Keiki and adults are invited to participate in fun activities and browse our in-store specials.

Visit the link in our bio for more information. See you there!

04/07/2024

01/07/2024

Donʻt miss the chance to shop tax free at your neighborhood City Mill for one day only. 🧾🛒 Discover a huge selection of products and deals to suit your summer needs ☀️⛺

27/06/2024

Save big with our 🔨Weekend Hammer Deals🔨! Offers valid in-store at all 8 City Mill locations. For all your essential needs, stop by your neighborhood City Mill!

THIS WEEKEND’S DEALS June 28 - July 1

🛠$5.99 (save 33%) Portable Propane Gas Cylinder
🛠$14.99 (save $5) White Patio Chair
🛠$7.99 (save $2) Krud Kutter Cleaner/Degreaser 32oz
🛠$6.99 (save 46%) 30pk Plastic Clothes Hangers
🛠$6.99 (save $2) Black Cinder 3/4cuft

25/06/2024

Calling all Kaimuki City Mill shoppers 🗣️ we’ll be closing early at 2pm on Sunday, June 30 and will re-open on Monday, July 1 at 6:30am. Mahalo for your patience and understanding 🤙🏽

24/06/2024

Fourth of July is right around the corner! Grills will be out, parties will be had and food will be served, so don’t miss out on our $1 OFF propane sale taking place this Saturday 6/29! 💥🎆

21/06/2024

Over the weekend, our keiki let their creativity run free as they decorated stones while munching on some yummy popcorn at our Mililani City Mill location in collaboration with Honolulu Magazine. Check out their creations! 🎨🍿

20/06/2024

Save big with our 🔨Weekend Hammer Deals🔨! Offers valid in-store at all 8 City Mill locations. For all your essential needs, stop by your neighborhood City Mill!

THIS WEEKEND’S DEALS June 21 - June 24

🛠$55.99 (save $14) Propane Tank 20lb
🛠$11.49 (save $3.50) Miracle-Gro Potting Mix 1CF
🛠$17.99 (save $7) Hawaiian Print Fitted Tablecloth 4'x2'
🛠$12.99 (save $5) Heavy Duty Tarp 8x10
🛠$5.19 (save $5) Raid Ant/Roach Spray Lemon Scent

19/06/2024

Aloha! 🌸 Just a friendly reminder that all City Mill locations will be open today. Let’s take a moment to celebrate the spirit of freedom and unity that this holiday represents!

18/06/2024

We had a fun weekend over at our City Mill Hawaii Kai location! Mahalo to everyone who came out to join the Hello Neighbor festivities. From giveaways to activities for our keiki, it was a memorable event for all, check it out! 🏡

14/06/2024

Looking for expert reccomendations and top-notch products to celebrate your dad this Father’s Day? Our team of dads has you covered! 🛠️💥

🥩 For the Grill Master: Ignite his passion with our Meater products to get his meat cooked to perfection.

🔋 For the “Always Prepared”: Explore our diverse selection of battery chargers.

🪚 For the Handyman: Discover must-have tools and accessories for renovtions.

💡 Can’t decide?: Opt for a thoughtful gift card and let dad decide.

13/06/2024

Save big with our 🔨Weekend Hammer Deals🔨! Offers valid in-store at all 8 City Mill locations. For all your essential needs, stop by your neighborhood City Mill!

THIS WEEKEND’S DEALS June 14 - June 17

🛠$5.99 (save 25%) Organic Brown Mulch 2 Cubic FT
🛠$5.99 (save $2) Roller Lite Economy Paint Kit With 9" Roller
🛠$21.99 (save $5) Jumbo Red Dustpan
🛠$17.49 (save $5) 1 Gallon Lawn & Garden Sprayer
🛠$2.49 (save 38%) City Mill Collapsible Water Jug

07/06/2024

We’re excited to host our family-friendly open house taking place this Saturday, June 8 from 10am to 1pm at the Hawaii Kai City Mill location!🏡 Come see your favorite radio hosts, win prizes, snack on Hawai’iʻs favorites and participate in fun activities. For more information, visit the link in our bio. We look forward to seeing you there! 🤙🏽

06/06/2024

Save big with our 🔨Weekend Hammer Deals🔨! Offers valid in-store at all 8 City Mill locations. For all your essential needs, stop by your neighborhood City Mill!

THIS WEEKEND’S DEALS June 7 - June 10

🛠$21.99 (save $10) 32 Gallon Outdoor Trash Can
🛠$28.99 (save $8) Gilmour 50ft Super Duty Garden Hose
🛠$15.99 (save 20%) Spacemaker Vacuum Storage Cubes Set
🛠$6.49 (save 28%) NIU Red Cinder .75 Cubic Feet
🛠$3.99 (save 43%) 2 Pack Glue Rat Trap

01/06/2024

🗓️ Mark your calendars! On June 8th, head to City Mill, Hawaii Kai for our ʻHello, Neighbor!ʻ Open House! 🏠

Get ready for a fun-filled day with free keiki activities, instore specials, giveaways and product demos including Weber Grills, Benjamin Moore and others!

Bring the whole family and join us from 10am to 1pm. Donʻt forget to RSVP through the link in our bio! See you there! 👋🏾

31/05/2024

Save big with our 🔨Weekend Hammer Deals🔨! Offers valid in-store at all 8 City Mill locations. For all your essential needs, stop by your neighborhood City Mill!

THIS WEEKEND’S DEALS May 31 - June 3, 2024

🛠$2.99 (save 40%) Bar Keepers Friend Soft Cleaner
🛠$4.99 (save 33%) King Mosquito Coil Holder
🛠$17.99 (save $4) My Comfy Table
🛠$19.99 (save 26%) One Second Plumber Starter Kit
🛠$10.99 (save $3) Orange Guard Insecticide 32oz

30/05/2024

🗓️ Mark your calendars! On June 8th, head to City Mill, Hawaii Kai for our ʻHello Neighbor!ʻ Open House! 🏠

Get ready for a fun-filled day with free keiki activities, instore specials and product demos including Weber Grills, Benjamin Moore and others!

Bring the whole family and join us from 10am to 1pm. Donʻt forget to RSVP through the link in our bio! See you there! 👋🏾

24/05/2024

Save big with our 🔨Weekend Hammer Deals🔨! Offers valid in-store at all 8 City Mill locations. For all your essential needs, stop by your neighborhood City Mill!

THIS WEEKEND’S DEALS May 24 - May 27, 2024

🛠 $10.99 (save $2) Pepsi Products 24pk
🛠$6.49 (save 24%) Black Gold Perlite 8qt
🛠$11.49 Husky 33gal Trash Bags 42bags
🛠$1.99 Fly Ribbon 4pk
🛠$7.99 All Purpose Bucket 3gal

22/05/2024

Dealing with the aftermath of the recent heavy rains and flooding on Oʻahu? We’ve got you covered with our after the storm clean up tips:

🌦️ Prioritize safety

🌦️ Clear debris strategically

🌦️ Restore and maintain your yard

Visit your neighbourhood City Mill for all your storm preparedness and cleanup needs! 🏡

16/05/2024

Save big with our 🔨Weekend Hammer Deals🔨! Offers valid in-store at all 8 City Mill locations. For all your essential needs, stop by your neighborhood City Mill!

THIS WEEKEND'S DEALS May 17 - May 20, 2024

🛠 $6.99 (save $2) Rescue Big Bag Disposable Fly Trap
🛠 $20.99 (save 25%) Diamond Magic Spot & Stain Remover 32oz
🛠 $2.99 (save 25%) 3 gallon Plastic Nursery Pot
🛠 $36.99 (save 26%) Rolling Grocery Shopper
🛠 $2.79 (save 35%) Sprayway Glass Cleaner

16/05/2024

Check out the DIY hand flowers that our keiki made this past Saturday at Pearl City City Mill in collaboration with !

Mahalo for joining us and showcasing your creative talents. We hope to see you at our next one! 🤗

16/05/2024

Check out the DIY hand flowers that our keiki made this past Saturday at Pearl City City Mill in collaboration with

Mahalo for joining us and showcasing your creative talents. We hope to see you at our next one! 🤗

10/05/2024

Looking for the perfect Mother’s Day gift? City Mill’s got you covered with gardening essentials, beautiful flowers and more to make celebrating your mom extra special. Stop by and we can help you find the perfect gift! 💝💐

10/05/2024

Save big with our 🔨Weekend Hammer Deals🔨!

Offers valid in-store at all 8 City Mill locations. For all your essential needs, stop by your neighborhood City Mill!

THIS WEEKEND’S DEALS May 10, 2024 - May 13, 2024

🛠$5.49 Instant Power Hair/Grease Remover 1L
🛠$109.98 Bissell Crosswave Vacuum
🛠$15.99 Husky 42gal Trashbag Contractor 20ct
🛠$3.49 Oil Absorber Change Box
🛠$2.49 Mr. Clean Magic Eraser 2pk

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Our Story

The history of City Mill is the story of the Ai family and how its founder, Chung Kun Ai (last name pronounced as “Ah-ee”) came to Hawaii as a young boy and eventually started City Mill.

Ai’s Early Years
In 1879, at 14 years of age, Chung Kun Ai and his father sailed for Hawaii on a three-masted German schooner from the port of Whang Poo near Canton, China. Chung Kun Ai’s father had traveled to Hawaii eleven years earlier and had established himself as a merchant in Kohala, Kona Coast, Hawaii. With a prospering business, he returned to China to bring his family to their new home.

As a young teenager and speaking neither English or Hawaiian, Chung Kun Ai enrolled in Iolani College (Bishops School) where he spent two years. Although these years represented his only formal English education, the experience profoundly influenced his life. It was here that Ai converted to Christianity, which was to remain the central force in his life.
It was also at Iolani College where he met and developed a lasting friendship with a fellow student, Sun Tai-Cheong, later known to the world as Dr. Sun Yat Sen, father of the Chinese Republic. Their friendship provided a nucleus to formulate the principles of the Chinese Republic. Chung Kun Ai and Dr. Sun Yat Sen often talked about conditions in China. After many discussions it was decided to form an organization and to call it Hsing Chung Hui, which means “The Progressive Chinese Society”. Years later, Chung Kun Ai received the highest medal of honor from the Chinese government for his ability to recognize the needs of the people.

Following his education at Iolani, at the age of 17, Ai’s father bought him a partnership in a tailor shop. However, the business did not appeal to Ai and he left the business in 1887.

That same year, at the age of 21, Ai joined the firm of James I. Dowsett, a prominent businessman in the Islands’ early days, as a secretary, clerk and bookkeeper. Dowsett was engaged in a conglomerate of activities as a leading lumber importer, plantation owner, salt maker, the largest rancher in Hawaii and owner of 11 whaling ships.

Dowsett had noticed the young Ai and asked him if he were interested in working for his firm. Chung Kun Ai was flattered by the request. So, in order to test Ai’s perseverence, Dowsett asked Ai to come back within a month, at a certain date and hour. Ai returned on the designated day and time and was then told to return within a week, at a certain date and hour. Ai returned again at the specific time –– and was hired.
However, after the initial excitement about being hired for the job, Ai was ready to resign after one day. Ai wouldn’t answer any telephone calls, because he never learned how to operate a telephone. Fortunately, after Ai’s frustrating first day, Dowsett’s carriage driver taught Ai how to use the telephone.

Ai eventually became Dowsett’s protege, earning his respect by his careful management of rent collection money. As a result, Dowsett allowed Ai to use half of his warehouse, in order for Ai to start a sideline business of his own. So while continuing as Dowsett’s clerk, Ai started importing ci**rs, tea, peanut oil, shoe nails and other items.
Following Dowsett’s death in 1898, Ai continued to work at the company, refusing pay, while the estate was being settled. During the settlement, Ai purchased Dowsett’s swivel chair, upright safe and desk and decided to go into business for himself. Those items can still be seen at City Mill today.

The Beginning of City Mill
With $60,000 in capital, Chung Kun Ai started a lumber importing and rice milling business in Chinatown, Honolulu, and named it City Mill. City Mill’s beginning faced early hardships, however. When the business was just eight months old, the bubonic plague hit Honolulu. In order to arrest the spread of the disease, the Board of Health ordered all the buildings in the infested area burned.

City Mill was not within the earmarked area, but unfortunately the wind shifted and spread the fire. As a result, Ai’s entire investment vanished; and without any insurance, he owed $25,000 to creditors. Ai was able to raise the needed capital to rebuild City Mill, having established himself in the community as a man with integrity and business acumen. He rebuilt his business steadily with the addition of new product lines. Then in 1907, disaster struck again in the form of financial panic, depleting Honolulu’s money supply, and leaving Ai unable to pay an outstanding C.O.D. shipment from abroad. Again, Ai’s personal reputation made it possible for him to borrow foreign capital in order to meet his obligations. Again in 1919, a fire burned City Mill. Fortunately, this time, insurance covered the damage.

Vigilant
In 1920, Ai commissioned the VIGILANT schooner in Hoquiam, Washington to carry lumber from the Pacific Northwest. VIGILANT carried 2,000,000 board feet of lumber each trip. The VIGILANT was the largest five-masted schooner to ply the Pacific – costing a quarter million dollars. The ship soon became a symbol of Chung Kun Ai’s own unsinkable spirit. It also demonstrated Ai’s personal commitment to bring top quality merchandise to his Honolulu customers, while keeping prices down.By the the early 1920’s, City Mill was so successful that Ai ventured into the pineapple business — the Honolulu Fruit Company, which owned 5 pineapple fields and a cannery. The Great Depression of the 30’s destroyed this business and severely jeopardized City Mill’s prosperity as well.

Prior to World War II, in conjunction with home planning and building supplies, City Mill had the distinction of having the only rice mill in Honolulu and having the largest rice mill in Hawaii. It was the advent of that war which forced City Mill to abandon its rice operation and to concentrate on providing construction materials for the armed forces and civilians. By the war’s end, City Mill emerged as one of the largest building materials suppliers in the Pacific.

Along the way Chung Kun Ai also ventured into other types of businesses with varying degrees of success in laundry, fishing, to***co and oil drilling.

In 1950, Chung Kun Ai opened the present City Mill store on Nimitz Highway. The building was dedicated to James I. Dowsett, Ai’s mentor, friend and benefactor; the dedicatory plaque can still be viewed at the Nimitz store. The inscription on the plaque reads:
THE HONORABLE JAMES I. DOWSETT, 1829 – 1898. BENEFACTOR AND FORMER EMPLOYER OF C.K. AI, FOUNDER OF CITY MILL CO., LTD. INCORPORATED 1899

“He made a man of me,” Ai would explain, “and taught me all I know.” It was Ai’s character to never forget his friends, living by the Chinese proverb, “When you drink water, always remember its source.” He visited Dowsett’s grave every Memorial Day, a custom continued after Ai’s death by his daughter Clara… a tribute which lasted for 74 years.

Throughout his misfortunes and successes, Ai retained a humility of spirit and generosity toward his fellow man. His devout Christian faith prompted him to share his success with others. He believed that “When you do evil, evil will come to you. And if you do good, good will come to you.” And “I expect to pass through this world but once. Any that I can do, let me do it now, as I shall not pass this way again.” As a result of these philosophies, he supported the shipping of clothing to China, Japan, India, Korea and Okinawa, for many years following World War II. And in 1953, he founded the Chung Kun Ai Foundation. The foundation has, over the past quarter century, aided churches, charitable organizations and deserving students throughout the world in obtaining higher education. Ai was also instrumental in building the First Chinese Church of Christ — the church was completed in 1929. He was one of the founders of the Nuuanu YMCA — the branch which became a symbol of brotherhood for the various ethnic groups on Oahu.

In 1956, in recognition of his exemplary family life, Chung Kun Ai was awarded “Father of the Year” by the Honolulu Chamber of Commerce. In 1957, Governor Samuel Wilder King bestowed upon Chung Kun Ai the “Order of the Splintered Paddle” for Ai’s outstanding service to mankind. This prestigious award, originated by Kamehameha the Great, has been awarded to only 26 people in almost two centuries.
In 1960, Chung Kun Ai published his autobiography, MY SEVENTY-NINE YEARS IN HAWAII. He was 93 years of age at the time and was blessed to live to age 96.

The Start of the Retail Division
Prior to 1950, City Mill was in the home planning, building supplies and lumber planing business. Then in 1950, City Mill opened its first retail store on Nimitz Highway, which was then called “Old Prison Road”.

With each passing year, the sales gap between the Retail and Wholesale Divisions closed. David Ai placed more emphasis on the expanding retail market, keeping abreast of the changing consumer market and buying habits of homeowners.

about.history.DAVID-C-AIDavid Ai managed this new retail division, while his sister, Esther Chong continued to manage the wholesale division. The first branch store opened in Kaneohe in 1960.

In the summer of 1980, City Mill phased out the Wholesale Division, after 81 years of operation. Although this move made an emotional impact on the employees, contractors and community, the cessation of the Wholesale Division allowed City Mill’s management to concentrate its energies on the expansion of its retail home centers.

City Mill Today
With the success of the retail home centers, City Mill expanded into the Honolulu suburbs. The first branch store opened in Kaneohe in 1960. The second branch store opened in 1967 in Waipahu. In 1975, the third branch opened in Waimalu Shopping Center (Pearl City). The fourth store opened in early 1984 in Kaimuki. In 1993, two stores opened in Hawaii Kai and Mililani Town Center.

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Contact the business

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Website

http://www.citymill.com/

Opening Hours

Monday	08:00 - 16:00
Tuesday	08:00 - 16:00
Wednesday	08:00 - 16:00
Thursday	08:00 - 16:00
Friday	08:00 - 16:00