hana hou sports

BY BOBBY COMMAND

WEST HAWAII TODAY

bcommand@westhawaiitoday.com

A sporting proposition

Hana Hou Sports offers new-and-used equipment

Hana Hou Sports is taking a page out of its own concept.

Shut down late last year, Play it Again Sports has reorganized in the same location and reopened as Hana Hou Sports.

Rudy Embernate, a tennis professional and former police officer, and his wife, Christine O’Gorman-Embernate, a public school instructor, are embarking on new careers as new-and-used sports equipment vendors.

“We’re operating in the same concept,” said Embernate, who added the new business is not affiliated in any way with the national Play it Again Sports chain. “People seem to like the idea.”

The business buys and sells used equipment as about 30 percent of its business. The rest is new, with many of the top brands available in the store.

“We check the condition first,” said Embernate, who added that smaller items are usually purchased and larger items consigned. “People bring in things like soccer shoes for kids, which is good, because they outgrow them so fast.”

According to Embernate, there is a little dealing involved with people who bring potential resale items to them. Normally, the sides agree quickly on a purchase price.

“We try to be fair, and ask the customer to be fair to us,” he said. “Fair is the best way to put it.”

In consignment, the store would take a percentage of the sale price. Embernate said a good example of something he would put on consignment is weightlifting equipment.

“It’s really heavy stuff, so we can’t compete with a company like Wal-Mart, which brings in containers,” Embernate said. “If we bring in new equipment, we’d almost have to give it away.”

Embernate, who grew up playing baseball and tennis around his native Honokaa, said golf equipment also seems to be moving well right now.

A police detective in Hilo for many years, Embernate retired from law enforcement and became a tennis instructor after moving to Kona, where he had planned his retirement. He also currently owns and operates Island Slice Tennis Club at the Outrigger Keauhou Beach Hotel.

Embernate said the community has been very supportive of Hana Hou Sports, and he has tried to keep prices down to keep customers coming back.

He said he will also work with leagues, clubs and organizations and place special orders for them, if needed.

“I grew up playing in all the leagues, so I know it can be a struggle for them,” Embernate said. “Whatever help I can give them I will.”