LIHU‘E — Kumu Hula Kapu Kinimaka-Alquiza of Na Hula O Kaohikukapulani said the halau is excited about it’s performance, Saturday starting at noon at the Kukui Grove Center Food Court stage.
“We were originally scheduled for a performance earlier in the year,” Kinimaka-Alquiza said. “But, a few days before we were supposed to go on, someone tested positive for COVID-19. We had to quarantine, and the studio closed for two weeks until we were cleared by the Department of Health.”
Following the necessary COVID-19 protocol, all signs are good for performing in honor and celebration of King Kamehameha Day at the Kukui Grove.
“Wes Kaui and his musical group start the music at 11 a.m.,” Kinimaka-Alquiza said. “The halau goes on after his group.”
Kukui Grove Center took advantage of the four-day week to offer space, socially-distanced and spread out throughout the shopping center, to various members of the county’s Kaua‘i Made program coordinated through the efforts of Melissia Sugai. The vendors will be at the shopping center from 10 a.m., Saturday for an encore appearance.
“It’s good to get out,” said Hazel Chun of Alohilani Creations who set up shop next to the Cell Everything kiosk. “The COVID-19 slowdown made me learn how to weave. Now, we have a lot of new items we can offer.”
Cyndi Ayonon took advantage of the long weekend to collect friends for a day-long lunch and shopping experience, placing a stop at Silk and Cotton on hold until after lunch.
“I told Ikaika Ho of Firty Hippie, he needs to market his wire wrappings for Father’s Day,” said Ayonon, a grandmother of young entrepreneurs marketing the Beat Athletica brand. “There is going to be a pop up, Saturday at Barre Soul on Rice Street where the Beat Athletica girls will be. It’s just a short one, but they’re still getting ready.”
Patti Ornellas of the American Cancer Society announced a Relay for Life Pop-up and Pick-up that starts at 10 a.m., Saturday and runs until 2 p.m. at the Coconut Marketplace.
Headlining the event in Waipouli are six Relay for Life teams, including Fely’s Angels who will have cupcakes & Charcuterie box, the Green Opihi offering chances for a Yeti cooler, Sushi Bushido having bento to go, Mana‘olana and Bobby Vi’s offering meatball subs, spaghetti and meatballs, and shave ice, Sign Art with their cookbooks, Chex Mix, and more, and the Ho‘oikaika Volleyball Club with crystals and macrame.
Some of the more than 20 vendors in the Pop-up include Kiss My Mask Kaua‘i, Zen Creation Kaua‘i, Blue Papaya, Keiki Productions, Majestic Jewels, Rainbowteek, Sprinkled, Keanuhea Designs, Scentsy, Baling’s Buttah, and many more.
Proceeds from the event benefit the American Cancer Society through its Relay for Life torch.
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
