George Nitta - Hawaii Automotive 101

George Nitta Bio

George Nitta began working on cars as a teenager because, as he says, “when you’re a kid, you don’t have much money”. After graduating from McKinley High School in 1961, George began working as a mechanic for Servco Pacific’s Motor Imports. Soon, his love of cars found him at the local racetrack, where he says, “I really learned about cars”. George would go on to become a fixture at the track for the next twenty years, racing for major sponsors like Autolite, Fram, Pennzoil, Crane Cams, Hurst Shifters, and Goodyear Tires. He went on to found the 50^th State Pro Gas Association in the late 70’s, which continues today.

In 1965, while working at Import Motors, George started a part-time auto repair business, Nitta’s Auto Repair. Two years later, he quit the dealership and has been in business for himself ever since. In the mid 70’s, George founded the Kaka’ako Business Association, later serving as Chairman; and he served two terms on the Ala Moana/Kaka’ako Neighborhood Board, also as Chairman. He even ran against Ben Cayetano in the 1994 Democratic primary for Governor.

George enjoys being involved with the community, and sharing his vast knowledge of automobiles. He has taught many classes including a course called Practical Auto at the University of Hawaii at Manoa from 1981 to 1998 as part of the Adult Education Program. Over the years, George has given talks and seminars to various groups and service organizations, and, in 1995, began his radio call-in show, Automotive 101. His expertise in cars has also been noticed by major companies. Honda America and Chrysler have drawn on George’s knowledge in courtroom cases, as have several large insurance companies. And some of George’s product improvements have been adopted by their manufacturers.

George is also a father of four. Because of his concern for young people, he brought the Junior Dragster Program to Hawaii’s kids. The organization is designed to keep young boys and girls off drugs, an in school. George’s youngest, 13 year old Holly, is Dad’s pride and joy as she streaks down the 1/8^th mile course at Hawaii Raceway Park.

George’s eldest, son Todd, is a very talented auto technician at Nitta’s Auto Repair. George says, “Todd’s been working on cars since he was 8 years old!”. Todd also seems to have inherited his father’s sense of community service, as he volunteers his spare time to coach the McKinley High School Bowling Team. George has another daughter, Tammy, who has her own business; and a son, Brad, who is attending Kapiolani Community College.

Built & Hosted by Hernco.

Logo's are the property of the companies and/or sites they link to. If you link to this site please let us know, we would like to do the same. Contact us.

Check out our other sections below!!