WAILUA — Kinipopo Shopping Village owner Beth Harrison said before the shopping village was built, the parcel adjacent to the Aloha Shell gas station was used by Avis Rent-A-Car as overflow parking from the Lihu‘e Airport.
Harrison and the Kinipopo Shopping Village ‘ohana invite everyone to celebrate 35 years since the shopping village was constructed with the festivities starting from 10 a.m., Saturday, and continuing until 1 p.m. at the shopping village located across Kuhio Highway where a Na Pali Brewing construction is taking place.
“Owner Harrison is excited to host this event as a thank you to both tenants, as well as residents of Kaua‘i,” said Jackie Manibusan of Paradise Services of Kaua‘i, who is coordinating the festivities that are free and include live music, free hula, lei-making lessons, and free malasadas and coffee from Passion Bakery.
“In addition to Passion Bakery, other tenants in the Kinipopo Shopping Village include Scotty’s Surf Rentals, Atlast Credit Company, Kaua‘i Landmark Realty, Kellogg Tax Service, Korean BBQ, Amy Norton – Acupuncture Services, Old Republic Title Company. Coming soon, but not in time for the Saturday festivities is Zorba’s Mediterranean Cafe.”
Dana Dromsdahl and the ‘ohana of Goldsmith’s Kaua‘i has donated the grand prize for the anniversary celebration — a custom-designed pendant that is featured on this month’s Savvy magazine. Other prize giveaways include gift certificates from Passion Bakery and surf equipment rentals from Scotty’s Surf Rentals who just moved into the shopping village in April.
Dromsdahl is one of the people who started at the shopping village when it opened 35 years ago. At that time, she was working for Eric Vogt of Goldsmith Gallery, one of the original tenants of the Harrisons at the Kinipopo Shopping Village.
“This space was built for goldsmithing,” Dromsdahl said. “It has the space for displaying jewelry, not only our creations, but also from other vendors. In the back, we have the workshop, foundry, and space to accommodate all the templates and designs that have accumulated over the years. We even have space for a studio where we produce all the promotional artwork.”
Dromsdahl took over after Vogt decided it was time for retirement, and the name changed to Goldsmith’s Kaua‘i with no interruption of service.
Thirty-five years is a long time, and the Kinipopo Shopping Village has dealt with many challenges, including Hurricane Iniki in 1992, and more recently, the COVID-19 pandemic. The businesses in the shopping villages have survived these challenges, and several thrived due to the owner’s commitment to the tenants and the community.
“They have been so supportive,” said Dromsdahl, who in addition to owning Goldsmith’s Kaua‘i, is a caregiver to her mother who is 95 years old, and a sister Kristen with disabilities and helps Dana in the day-to-day operation of the goldsmithing shop. “During the height of the COVID-19 shutdowns, Beth built a gazebo and healing garden at the Wilcox Health so we could visit with mom.”
Harrison, who has experienced Alzheimer’s disease in her family, said the Healing Garden was a no-brainer.
“On the mainland, most of the residents of care facilities are on the ground floor where you are at least able to peer into windows to visit,” Harrison said. “At Wilcox Health, the long-term residents are on the second, and third floors where you aren’t able to visit as easily. This was killing both the residents, and their caregivers.”
Time has also taken its toll on Dromsdahl, who is interested in creating opportunity for those who have the advantage of youth.
“Dana is encouraging visits from current or potential business owners who may be interested in buying the business because she is preparing to retire,” said Michelle Miller of Paradise Services of Kaua‘i.
“Hosting this event is an opportunity for us at Kinipopo Shopping Village to say mahalo, Kaua‘i, for all your support these past 35 years,” Harrison said. “We hope you will join us, Saturday from 10 a.m. to help us celebrate this very special anniversary and get to know more about the wonderful businesses here.”
