LIHUE — The farmers market set up in the Hilo Hattie parking lot will continue its offering from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday due to popular demand. “It’s my day off,” said Wally Hedlesky of Anahola, one of the
LIHUE — The farmers market set up in the Hilo Hattie parking lot will continue its offering from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday due to popular demand.
“It’s my day off,” said Wally Hedlesky of Anahola, one of the vendors in the parking lot fronting Kuhio Highway and Ahukini Road. “I work half day and spend the rest of the day doing errands. This gives me a reason to come into Lihue.”
Customers can buy local fruits, vegetables and baked goods.
“We tested the concept over the holidays,” said Donald B. S. Kang, president and chief executive officer of Pomare, Ltd. “We had a great response from the community and our customers, and have committed to holding these events in 2015.”
Hedlesky, licensed to do coconuts and coconut baskets at the Haena Beach Park, has been vending at Hilo Hattie for about a month.
“Business has been picking up,” Hedlesky said. “This is a new market so people need to give it a chance (to grow).”
Mitzi Kaleiohi of Kauai Fruit and Flower Co. was one of the first vendors when the market started.
“I love doing this kind of stuff,” Kaleiohi said. “It’s always slow in the beginning, but I have several items to offer.”
Sheila Colobong, a Hilo Hattie’s greeter, said the idea was to generate more traffic at the Hilo Hattie’s store.
Shoppers who show a Hilo Hattie’s receipt will receive a 20 percent discount from the farmers market vendors.
“We feel that this is another way of fulfilling our mission to share aloha and support the community,” said Mark Storfer, COO of Hilo Hattie. “We are not charging any rent to the participating vendors — this is about providing a unique cultural experience for locals and visitors alike.”
