Editor’s note: This article was previously published in the Hawaii United Okinawa Association’s Uchinanchu Newsletter, May/June 2025. It has been edited for publication in the San Times.
This year marks a golden milestone for one of Hawaiʻi’s locally owned businesses: Ace Auto Glass is celebrating its 50th anniversary. What began in 1975 as a small, family-run venture founded by Frank and Grace Tamaye has grown into a trusted company with nine locations—eight across the Hawaiian Islands and one in Guam. Over the decades, Ace Auto Glass has not only repaired and replaced countless windshields, but also built a loyal team of 56 employees, some of whom have been with the company for 10 to 40 years—a testament to the values of hard work, loyalty, and ʻohana at the heart of this Uchinanchu enterprise.
Today, Yonsei Evan Tamaye serves as vice president, helping to lead the company alongside his father, Calvin Tamaye, who is president. In a recent Zoom interview, Evan shared what he believes is the key to Ace’s longevity: “Caring for customers goes a long way in the community.” He also emphasized the importance of long-standing relationships with vendors and suppliers, which help keep their services reliable and affordable. Ace technicians are known for taking their time to ensure quality workmanship—never rushing a job when safety and precision matter most.
While Calvin and Evan oversee operations on Oʻahu, Kauaʻi, Hawaiʻi Island, and Guam, Calvin’s brother Stephen and nephew Reece manage the team on Maui—continuing the family legacy across the islands.
When the late Frank Tamaye launched Ace, his family already had roots in Hawaiʻi’s automotive industry, working in upholstery and body and fender repair. By entering the field of automotive glass distribution and service, Frank not only diversified their offerings but helped raise the bar for auto services statewide. “One thing I do appreciate,” Evan said, “is that [Ace] gave me a good sense of work ethic.” He also shared that one of the things he enjoys most is traveling with his dad to support customers and team members across the islands.
Beyond business, Ace Auto Glass has a long history of giving back. For 20 years, the company hosted a charity golf tournament to benefit the Hawaiʻi Children’s Cancer Foundation (HCCF), an organization dedicated to supporting local keiki with cancer and their families. Their final tournament was held in 2019, but the spirit of aloha in the community continues. In 2023, after Typhoon Mawar struck Guam, Ace employees worked 10- to 12-hour days to help residents get back on the road, demonstrating the company’s commitment to service in times of need.
As Ace Auto Glass celebrates five decades of business, it does so with deep gratitude—to its founders, employees, customers, and the broader community in the 808 State. With the next generation now helping to lead the way, the company continues to reflect the values it was built on: dedication, humility, and heart. Here’s to the next 50 years of service and legacy.
