Green-style Market Coming To North Shore
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Del.icio.usCome April 5,North Shore residents could awaken to the sound of a conch shell,signaling the opening of Haleiwa Farmers’ Market on four acres of land in the heart of town.
The market will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Sunday, rain or shine, at the traffic signal at Kamehameha Highway and Cane Haul Road, next to North Shore Marketplace.
“It was really important to us to create a place where the community could come together,“said Pamela Boyar of the project that has been two years in the making.“You know what our lives are like now - very hectic. We thought it would be nice to have a healthy environment to socialize.”
Boyer and business partner Annie Suite have gathered more than 40 vendors with fresh produce and hand-crafted, Hawaii-made items. But they’re taking it a step further than the usual neighborhood bazaar. Boyar said they have a completely eco-conscience way of doing business, and they’ve created a totally green marketplace.
“We think it’s the socially responsible thing to do, to set an example for people to follow. It’s the same concept as other (farmers’markets),but more of a challenge. That makes it kind of exciting - that it’s constantly evolving and changing.”
All vendors must use biodegradable plates, napkins, cutlery, etc., and there will be a large tent set up for separating opala into four heaps: regular trash,recyclable or bio-compostable products, and slop for the pigs. Boyar said they also will have educational demonstrations as part of their solar-powered, plastic-free Reduce Reuse Recycle campaign.
“It’ll be ideas - like vermiculture, where you use live worms to break down food into compost,that people can literally take into their back yards,“said the Kailua resident. In addition, they have teamed up with the nonprofit Sustainability Association of Hawaii and Kako’o ‘Oiwi to raise awareness.
“And it’s especially important to bring kids, because most have forgotten where their food comes from.” Playing with food will be encouraged at the Keiki Korner; there also are treats and live music for adults. Bring your own bag, or purchase a reusable tote from the market. AIG Hawaii has donated 200 bags for the grand opening,and Hagadone Printing made 500 bags just for the market.
“Farmers’ markets are huge opportunities for nonprofits,”
Boyar added.“We will benefit a different charity at each monthly festival.“At their Easter Bunny Eggs-Travaganza April 12, for example, the North Shore Food Bank will benefit from the sale of produce from North Shore Farms Pizza & Fried Green Tomatoes, Le Crepe Cafe, Frances’ Huli-Huli Chicken, North Shore Cattle Company and MA’O Farms, just to name a few. Also planned: earth-friendly products such as macrobiotic bento boxes, natural shave ice made with Stevia, and fresh coffee, smoothies and baked goods from the market’s own cafe.
“Most people don’t realize how much of their food are hybrids,“said Boyar,who previously founded and directed the award-winning Sunset Valley Farmers’ Market Austin, Texas. “By eating local foods and eating in-season produce, it helps boost the local economy, and that’s what we’re trying to do.We’ve been given so much that we want to give back. But mostly we want people to eat, meet their neighbors and have a good time.”
For more information, call 388-9696 or go to online at haleiwafarmersmarket.com.
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