HONOLULU (KHON2) -- After 20 years as the heart of Hauula's small-town community, Tamura's Market at the Hauula Kai Shopping Center will close it's doors at the end of the year. Get Hawaii's latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You The news is leaving locals saddened and concerned about the future. Tamura's Market has long been a convenient, affordable spot for residents in the windward Oahu community, so the news of its closure has hit residents hard. "Don't close the store! We really need a Tamura's out here. it's really important. You can ask anybody in this neighborhood, they'll say the same thing," said a shopper as he walked into the produce section of the market. The lease is up and rising rent are what we're told are the reasons for the closure. "It affects the community so much," said Hauula resident Phillip Corpuz. "We would like the owners of the shopping center to reconsider and give Tamura a chance to survive. so, we can have a nice store for the community." Hawaii woman apparently goes missing in California: ‘We can’t locate her’ Now with the closure, the nearest grocery store is in Laie. A trip many long time shoppers call inconvenient and more costly. "Sad. Tamura is so convenient. Right here," said Tom Fuertes, a Hauula resident who lives across the street from Tamura's. "Costco. Costco cost me for going down. It's a $40 run with my truck." "I live in Kahuku now, but I'll come here just to go and shop," said Ellen-Gay Dela Rosa who was pushing a basket full of groceries. "So, we're sad. Yeah, we're kind of devastated." For years, Tamura's Market has been more than a grocery store. It's been a community hub, where everyone knows each other. "We're all family here. Everybody talks to story, you know, we're friends," said Dela Rosa. Shoppers tell us even if another market moves in, they believe it won't be the same. The store employs about 25 people who have been offered positions at Tamura's other locations. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news The last day of business will be December 31.