ComplaintsforAloha Key, Awards & Gifts

• Initial Complaint

  06/29/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  The store ***************** on the receipt but on the card is called Aloha Keys. I have all the information if necessary. Ms. ****** serviced me on June 22, 2024 at 10:45 am with with a key and products that stated Kanaka Revival. I asked her if the word would be prohibited for me to wear since I am not indigenous Hawaiian or Polynesian she said it would support local so I would not be offending anyone. I asked a few locals and they said to me it would be better to wear attire with no words to prevent miscommunication and misunderstanding. I looked up the word and its roots. According to Quora, it relates to native roots ***********************************************************************. Im sure the roots are meant well, ************************************************* however another person told if I wore a shirt called Kamala ******* or gave it as gifts if I or the receivers of the product would be beaten up if visiting Makaha, a more authentic representation of ******. ******************************* Please educate store clerk about the eubonics of words and monitor her integrity I understand it is hard to make a living in ****** but Mr. **** an Aloha Ambassador assigned to Waikiki makes a living of integrity.

  Business response

  07/09/2024

  Aloha,

  I am Ka'ala, I am the creator/owner of the "Kanaka Rising" items she purchased.  I remember ************.  We had spent some time together when she visited and had, what I had thought, a pleasant conversation. I do remember her asking if she would be okay to wear the shirt because she was not Hawaiian.  I remember saying something to the effect that if she was okay with what the brand of the shirt stood for and was okay with having a conversation if someone asked her why she's wearing it then she should be okay.   I suggested that the simplest answer you could give would be to say that you support ****** businesses.  She had also expressed her feelings about her dissatisfaction with how the Queen was treated and that it wasn't right. To which I agreed.  Our conversation was varied and I felt that coming away from the interaction feeling good that I was able to have a pleasant conversation about subjects that people get very passionate about.
  
  I am disappointed to learn that she did not have the same experience with other local people.  I cannot speak for their experiences and opinions.  That being said, I have no issue if ************ wants to return her items for a refund.  Prior to the notice from BBB I was not aware she was seeking one.  The items purchased were not on sale, discounted, or under any special condition that would restrict the return.  If she had return to the store with the items in good/like new condition she would have received one.  She is still welcome to.  From my recollection she purchased 2 - T-shirts, 1 -tote bag, 1-zip clutch and 1-cut key.   Our store hours are, M - F, 9a-2p, and Saturday 9a-1pm.   

  Customer response

  07/09/2024

   
  Complaint: 21919470
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  I felt such bad experience for this I want my money back I gave it all away.  And its dismissive the way she says its says I would support local government when o talked to several locals that the word kanaka is threatening.  If I wore that I could have gotten beaten up.  I want my money back regardless of the items returned for I showed kindness to you and even bought you a bracelet.  I think your actions show your true nature.  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***********************

  Business response

  07/31/2024

  Aloha,
  Although I feel like I am being held responsible for actions and thoughts of others, that I do not share or support. I am disappointed that ************ would still choose to not return the items.  I can understand not wanting to deal with the issue face to face, as it would be awkward and uncomfortable.  However, arrangements could have been made to do the return through the mail, or have someone else bring the items in.  
  

  As the customer had said in the original complaint "it is hard to make a living in ***********;" I don't think it is fair that I will now not only loose the sale, but also loose the product that I would still be able to re-sell. That being said I can empathize with ************.  To that end I have issued a $75 refund (plus fees) on the Kanaka Rising items.  I have also attached a copy of the receipt.  I will also be returning the bracelet that was given to the address that was attached to this correspondence.

  Mahalo for the opportunity to communicate this issue and send Aloha to you.
  Ka'ala

  Customer response

  07/31/2024

   
  Complaint: 21919470
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  I trusted you and was fooled.  I hope that is not how you treat others. I was upset that going back to that establishment would be disheartening and I thought as a Hawaiian one would want to shed the truth of what that word means it like the equivalent derogatory term for African People that were descendants of slaves.  
  According to the locals from ****, *********************, and Asahi ***** they all did not like the term being used as a brand label.  *****************************************************************************************'Kanaka'&text=1.,derogatory%20as%20used%20in%20English
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***********************

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