Sara Aiko Uno Takitani, 92; Helped Create Candy Firm

Sara Aiko Uno Takitani, 92, a co-founder of the Hawaiian Host candy company who helped pioneer the manufacture of chocolate-covered macadamia nuts, died June 28 on Oahu, the company announced.

Takitani, who was known as Aiko, was a Japanese-language schoolteacher before she and her husband, Mamoru Takitani, developed chocolate mixed with macadamia nuts on Maui while working in the family’s business, Star Ice and Soda Works.

After Hawaiian Host was founded Jan. 1, 1960, Aiko Takitani used her station wagon to deliver the candy to stores around town. Hawaiian Host has grown to become the fourth-largest U.S. exporter of chocolate candies, the company said.

Mamoru Takitani died in 1988, and Aiko succeeded him to become company chairwoman.

Because they had no children, the couple set up the Mamoru and Aiko Takitani Foundation, which awards scholarships to outstanding high school students throughout Hawaii. Since 1993, more than $1.1 million in scholarships has been awarded.