Restore Kaua‘i starts market today in Kapa‘a

KAPA‘A — Another nonprofit open market is popping up:  this one today at 3 p.m. near the popular Sunshine Market location in Kapa‘a.

Restore Kaua‘i will operate its market on Kaha‘u Road next to Esaki’s Produce and across from the Sunshine Market location every Wednesday from 3 to 6 p.m. It will be offering fresh produce, value-added items, works of local artists and crafters, hot foods and cold drinks, said Eric Burton, operations director.

On Tuesday, Burton said there were 20 vendors signed up to participate in the market. It is also a venue for live music, he said.

Parking and traffic concerns that have plagued the Sunshine Market in Kapa‘a have been addressed, said Burton. He said that Restore Kaua‘i founder Kamahalo Kauhane leases a large property, owned by the state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL), that has room for more than 100 vendors and plenty of free parking.

“With two entrances, you won’t have to worry about getting stuck in traffic, or finding a place to park,” he said. The second vehicle entrance is behind Bank of Hawai‘i on Lehua Street on Niu Street next to Aloha Storage.

A pedestrian entrance for customers also has been created to flow in from the Sunshine Market across the street, he said.

Burton said the Kauhanes were also founders of the Kanuikapono Public Charter School in Anahola.

For more information on the market, visit kauaimarkets.org or call Alpha Harada, open market manager, at 808-635-0877.

Restore Kaua‘i is a Kapa‘a nonprofit volunteer organization founded last year to focus on “restoring the traditional strength of our community by creating jobs, providing job training, and restoring the ‘aina,” said a release.

Restore Kaua‘i can be reached at 808-639-3343, or restorekauai.org.

• Jane Esaki, business writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext 257) or by emailling jesaki@thegardenisland.com.