With the goal of running a “green” business, 5A Rent-A-Space has solar panels to cover its own electricity needs plus some of the neighborhood.

HONOKOWAI – 5A Rent-A-Space in October is celebrating 45 years in business.

The storage facility, known locally as “5A,” was built in 1987 by owner and co-owner H. James and Michael Knuppe.

“First, we’d like to say ‘mahalo nui loa’ to all our customers, to the town of Lahaina, the entire island of Maui and everyone who over the years has helped 5A Rent-A-Space grow and prosper. If it wasn’t for all of you, we wouldn’t be here on Maui, nor have a company with 45 successful years in business,” said James, better known as Jim.

“When I was first introduced to Lahaina in 1987, I found a perfect piece of property. I personally built the first self-service storage facility in Maui County, and to this day, I’m pleased to offer the public a safe, dry place to store their belongings. Many of my customers have been with me since I opened in 1987. I thank all my customers for their business.”

These storage business pioneers started by building three California facilities – in Alameda in 1971, Berkeley in 1972 and Foster City in 1976 – then their West Maui location in 1987. Presently, they have two storage facilities in California and the one here in Maui.

5A Lahaina at 3600 Lower Honoapiilani Road has 1,170 storage units in over 30 sizes – from small lockers to 20-foot by 20-foot bays. At the present time, the business is 91 percent occupied with a waiting list for any units that become empty.

They have many island-specific units, like tall spaces for surfboards and small ones for temporary luggage storage; security gates and cameras; plus boxes and packing supplies for customers.

5A is unique because of its range of offerings for the community. In the office, they have business services, blueprint copying, a shredding machine, bar coded record and document storage, and Wi-Fi services. The facility has a group of retail stores facing the front parking lot, with food, fishing and property management tenants.

5A has built a reputation of giving back to the communities where they are located. The West Maui location has donated time, money and energy to the Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset, the monthly third Saturday recycling program “Go Green Keep Our Island Clean,” Women Helping Women, Maui Food Bank, many non-profits and the schools.

General Manager Liz May and Assistant Manager Maria Terra noted, “We’re very proud of our 5A Rent-A-Space at Honokowai! We serve the storage needs of our community, the neighboring apartments and condos, and many businesses and distributorships. We have been in the area longer than any of our competitors, and we stand on our ability to give absolutely the finest customer service.

“Mahalo to our community for helping 5A celebrate our 45th Anniversary! Everyone is welcome to visit us during our celebration through October. If you do, we have a gift for you, so please come on in!”