Interesting Islanders

Meet Denise "Lisa" Grover

It's been said everyone should all perform random acts of kindness throughout the day. However, I don't believe these gestures are random. They may be spontaneous, but they don't just happen.
An act of kindness begins with a heart of empathy. It belongs to a person who has awakened with the morning light and determined to make the world a better place. It's someone who puts their needs, their bottom line aside to help a friend or stranger.
I am the latter. I didn't know 53-year-old Denise "Lisa" Grover, the owner of Pizza Hawaii in Honomu, until last week. Then, something happened and her true character was revealed.
It all started when my husband, Brian, and I were out and about on his day off and decided to stop for a bite to eat at Lisa's establishment. By the time we ordered my husband was having a mild hypoglycemia attack. However, it became full-fledged--almost to the brink of passing out--while the food was being prepared.
Not wanting to create a panic, I decided to go back inside the restaurant and buy some potato chips. The counter girl asked Lisa for advice on how to handle the situation and she immediately poured out a big plate of Maui "good as gold" potato style chips.
When I asked to pay for them, she said "No, no. You go take care of your husband."
The carbohydrates did the job and all returned to normal. Lunch was served and we ate the delicious meal set before us. All the while I couldn't get Lisa out of my mind. So I did the only thing a good writer can do, I went back inside to thank her and decided to do some snooping and find out more about her.
The best word to describe Lisa is nice. She is genuinely nice. And kind. And sweet. A kindred spirit. Okay, so there are many ways to portray her.
The best way to test these words as true is to further explain that Lisa was born and raised in Honomu. She left for the mainland in 1970 and didn't return until 1989 to help take care of her ailing father. She brought her husband and several of her five children back with her and decided to stay and make a difference in the community.
She began working as an employee of Pizza Hawaii many years ago and decided to purchase the Honomu location last Fall. By day she faithfully serves the many tourists on their way to or from Akaka Falls. At night, she explains that business is mostly the "local population."
No matter where people are from, however, there is a consensus. Everyone seems happy. The food is excellent and service is always provided with a warm smile, filled with aloha.
"I enjoy everything about owning this business," Lisa said shyly. "I enjoy talking to people. I love my helpers. They are adorable. I'm really particular on my food--how it goes out. I'm really interested in quality. It's good pizza. The business is good. People keep coming back."
As a satisfied customer, I understand. Those words are backed up with actions that show Lisa's heart...and it's good as gold. Better than Maui style potato chips. It's just what was needed to get the job done, turning struggling strangers into a beaming friends. I'll take another serving please. Mahalo!