LOCAL NEWS

Kawuhara Wholesale May Be Forced To Close Due To Sandy City Violations

Feb 12, 2020, 11:27 PM | Updated: Feb 13, 2020, 10:38 am

SANDY, Utah – A popular Sandy business has reached the end of the line. City officials warned Kawuhara Wholesale that it’s violating city code and must put an end to all business or face enforcement.

“I really think that it’s wrong,” said Alex Kuwahara, who started the plant nursery on his family’s property in 2013.

There’s no question growing a business is full of challenges, but Kuwahara never anticipated his business in Sandy would come to this. A big “for sale” sign now sits outside the front gate.

“I want Sandy City to hear but I want every city to hear this: You can’t push these types of regulations on agricultural-type businesses,” Kuwahara said. “They’re trying to make me be like a Walmart like a big store and that’s just not what we are.”

Kawuhara Wholesale’s Complicated History With Sandy City

At the root of the problem was Kuwahara Wholesale’s complicated history with Sandy city.

In an October letter, the city sent Kuwahara a list of fire, structure and city violations, including operating without a license. The letter further stated that Kuwahara needed to “discontinue all business at 8565 South and 8575 South State Street on or before Nov. 1, 2019, or Sandy City intends to pursue criminal, civil and/or administrative enforcement.”

“Gosh we’re just trying to grow plants and flowers and selling local produce and you’re going to throw me in jail and charge me all this,” Kuwahara said. “We don’t know what to do!”

But the city stood by its letter in a statement sent to KSL TV, which said, “Sandy City staff has worked exhaustively with the owners of Kuwahara Nursery. Kuwahara has not only failed to make improvements to meet those requirements but have added unpermitted structures and other facilities which do not meet safety and fire codes required by state law. While Sandy City takes every step necessary to avoid shutting down a local business, we can no longer allow them to operate in good faith while there are so many safety and regulatory concerns for the public.”

SEE ALSO: State Issues Violations To Sandy City For Fluoride Incident

The city posted their letter and list of violations on its Facebook page in response to questions and concerns raised by people in the community. Many supported the business and hoped to see it remain open.

“This is family-oriented and very much loved by the community. The outpouring of shock when they put up a for sale sign was amazing,” long-time customer Lilly Johnson said. “They haven’t made a lot of money but they’re here for the community.”

Still, Kuwahara feared this latest hurdle for his business requires too much money and may be too big for them to continue growing.

“The only thing left is to go out of business,” Kuwahara said. “It’s just terrible, you know. Everything, it’s just gone.”

City officials also said they “value Kuwahara and will continue to work with them to find solutions that will address the safety and regulatory requirements needed in order to allow them to reopen.”

Kuwahara was grateful for all of the support he’s received from the community online and in-person and planned to bring that support with him to city hall on Tuesday.

KSL 5 TV Live

Local News

A UDOT snowplow clears the road in Big Cottonwood Canyon on Feb. 9. Up to 2 feet of snow or more is...

Carter Williams, KSL.com

Rain, snow to impact many parts of Utah throughout Easter weekend

It might be spring, but winter weather remains in Utah's forecast for Easter weekend as the end of the traditional snowpack collection period nears.

1 hour ago

Man being taken on stretcher to an ambulance figures blurred...

Lauren Steinbrecher

West Jordan man trying ‘to be funny’ allegedly shot and killed best friend

Investigators believe a joke between friends turned into the shooting death of a West Jordan man. The fatal mistake is also turning into a message police hope every gun owner can hear.

12 hours ago

Matt Gephardt meeting with Denis Hawkins after a rental car company after they ignored his calls fo...

Matt Gephardt

Get Gephardt helps Spanish Fork man clear up insurance claim for rental car damage

Get Gephardt clears up an international rental car insurance standstill.

12 hours ago

small housing units...

Debbie Worthen

Utah’s micro-shelter pilot program gets extension to help homeless

A micro-shelter pilot program will stay in place for at least six more months.

12 hours ago

A trench used for training a team of firefighters to be a part of Utah County's Special Response Te...

Shelby Lofton

Heavy Rescue school students respond to real-life emergency during trench collapse training

A team of firefighter students training to be on a Special Response Team rescued a man buried in a trench collapse the week they'd been studying trenches.

12 hours ago

The Cache County Council took up the e-mail controversy...

Mike Anderson

A single text stirs political fallout in Cache County election

A text message is blowing up into a whole lot of political fallout in Cache County.

13 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Women hold card for scanning key card to access Photocopier Security system concept...

Les Olson

Why Printer Security Should Be Top of Mind for Your Business

Connected printers have vulnerable endpoints that are an easy target for cyber thieves. Protect your business with these tips.

Modern chandelier hanging from a white slanted ceiling with windows in the backgruond...

Lighting Design

Light Up Your Home With These Top Lighting Trends for 2024

Check out the latest lighting design trends for 2024 and tips on how you can incorporate them into your home.

Technician woman fixing hardware of desktop computer. Close up....

PC Laptops

Tips for Hassle-Free Computer Repairs

Experiencing a glitch in your computer can be frustrating, but with these tips you can have your computer repaired without the stress.

Close up of finger on keyboard button with number 11 logo...

PC Laptops

7 Reasons Why You Should Upgrade Your Laptop to Windows 11

Explore the benefits of upgrading to Windows 11 for a smoother, more secure, and feature-packed computing experience.

Stylish room interior with beautiful Christmas tree and decorative fireplace...

Lighting Design

Create a Festive Home with Our Easy-to-Follow Holiday Prep Guide

Get ready for festive celebrations! Discover expert tips to prepare your home for the holidays, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for unforgettable moments.

Battery low message on mobile device screen. Internet and technology concept...

PC Laptops

9 Tips to Get More Power Out of Your Laptop Battery

Get more power out of your laptop battery and help it last longer by implementing some of these tips from our guide.

Kawuhara Wholesale May Be Forced To Close Due To Sandy City Violations