LIHU‘E — There were no fireworks, but lots of excitement at Kukui Grove Center over the Fourth of July weekend that clung to the ongoing COVID-19 health and safety guidelines in the air of what a lot of people see as the light at the end of a very-long journey.
“We’re not doing much,” said Melissa McFerrin-Warrack, KGC specialty leasing and marketing manager.
“We know people will be out and about, but we’re not the Barnum circus with huge crowds. We still want people to be safe and help prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus while celebrating the birth of our country.”
KGC presented the Sunset Swing Band for its evening Aloha Friday program with little fanfare to avoid attracting the scores of people that used to flock to the center for its once-a-month appearance.
“We need to be in the spirit,” a shopper said before slipping away to the dance floor as the music started from the band that has been absent for more than 17 months after being sidelined by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Other events included the opening of two new businesses — Aphrodite’s Treasures across the walkway from Jamba Juice and adjacent to the recently-opened and still-popular Milky Cereal Bar, and the permanent location of the Crow’s Nest next to the Bandwagon music facility.
“We’re going to be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday,” said Kathryn Ledesma of Aphrodite’s Treasures. “This is our third shop on Kaua‘i, the other two being in the former Koloa Fish Market location, and the other being at 3540 Lawa‘i Warehouse. Because of the pandemic, we haven’t really gotten the feel of what the stores can do, but we’ll be filling in with employees and stay open longer.”
Aphrodite’s Treasures, starting with Ledesma’s handmade jewelry featuring sunrise shells, has grown to include other local handmade jewelry and, according to her website, “faraway artisan goods that bring joy to your home.” These include various crystals, artifacts, and even select pieces of clothing.
“We’re going to be here for at least 35 years,” said Tyler Garcia of Crow’s Nest. “Or, until my children get tired of it.”
Open from noon to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, noon to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Garcia describes Crow’s Nest as a hobby shop, gaming center, and even a community space where small groups can meet and talk.
“There are people who come beyond the normal hours of the shopping center,” Garcia said. “People work and have chores and errands to do, and by the time it’s ‘me time’ it’s already past the closing time. We’re open, and people come by.”
The business openings were joined by special appearances of Showtime Characters and the Stilted Ladies showing up in patriotic outfits and distributing American flags, and Brenda Turville Biehler of Showtime Characters dealing with her “mouse hair” while creating balloon-sculpture head wear.
