Virtual Veggies And More Come In New Market

Alana Folen
Wednesday - September 02, 2009
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A community co-op is using the Internet to boost sales and convenience, promote locally grown food and products - and keep profits in Waimanalo.

Area residents Kehaulani Padilla and Jody Green established Waimanalo Market while Padilla (as a UH student) was conducting an asset-mapping project of Waimanalo. She soon became aware of the many grassroots organizations that take care of Hawaii’s youth.

“As part of my master’s program at the School of Social Work, the concept of a market owned by the community co-op was developed as well as the web-site (www.waimanalomarket.com),” said Padilla who serves as market president.


“We are unique and different because we are in existence for the betterment of our community.Our plan is tosolicitthehelp of a nonprofit youth or kupuna group to volunteer on market day once a month.They will be on the front line handing out the products and selling to walk-ins. The profits from that day’s sales will be donated to that organization,“she added.

Waimanalo Market held its first-ever market day last month and is currently holding the market every other week - the next market day is this Saturday at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church on Kalanianaole Highway at Ehukai Street.

Padilla said they offer organic and nonorganic farm produce as well as other food items, and will operate at various sites throughout Waimanalo to afford maximum exposure.

“We want to be located along Kalanianaole Highway to take advantage of the passing traffic. Our first market day was at the quarry,“Padilla recalled.

“Our produce was very popular along with the fresh mahimahi and Waimanalo honey. We are proud of our Waimanalo farmers and producers - so that is our main focus. We stress and encourage buying local, eating local and owning local.”

The women decided that a virtual market would be a better way to let customers know what’s available ahead of time. “Our customers will have first preference on our products as their online orders will be filed before we sell any surplus to walk-in traffic,“she explained. “This concept takes going to the market one step further, whereby you can order in advance and know that your product will be there when you are ready to pick it up.” All online orders must be picked up by noon, or they are sold to the public.


Padilla said she hopes the online concept can be replicated in other rural communities to instill the concept of an ahupua`a supporting itself.

“Our mission is to promote, strengthen and maintain community-based economic development in Waimanalo by operating a fresh produce market cooperative that will reinvest profits to support youth and cultural programs while reviving sustainable agriculture.”

To order,call 224-9193/259-3445, go to www.waimanalomarket.com or write P.O. Box 163, Waimanalo 96795.

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