The Haleiwa Farmers Market was packed, as usual, on Oahu’s North Shore with dozens of vendors and hundreds of shoppers.
"For about 20 bucks we got our groceries for the whole week. For my income, that’s perfect," said Kori Harvey.
Kori is a regular here, and made a sign after learning her Sunday shopping spot was given notice to cease and desist.
"I was totally surprised; it was a complete shock: it’s so successful," she said.
The market, which opened in 2009, is set up on an old section of Kamehameha Highway that’s been abandoned and unused for years after the Haleiwa bypass road was opened.
But when organizers began negotiations for a long term lease this year, the state came back telling them they had to leave.
"Really expecting the next thing in the mail to be sign on the dotted line, here’s your annual lease. Instead we got, never mind, go away in five days," said Annie Suite, the market’s co-founder.
The State says it was told the site is still considered a highway right-of-way and the market cannot operate due to liability.
"All of the vendors here have gotten liability insurance so we’re all covered, which makes it really simple. It should be simple to create a solution for all of us to be here," said Noelani Love, of Neolani Designs.
Love is the jewelry designer and creator of Noelani Designs, and says the market is her livelihood.
"This market has been great for me as a business owner. I’ve been able to support myself and my family and able to hire two full-time employees," she said.
The market, which sees on average 2,500 visitors every Sunday, has become more than just a neighborhood hot spot.
"We are on TV, in magazines, just lately Travel & Leisure did a story that says, ‘come to the Haleiwa Farmers Market to shop’," said Rex Dubiel, of the North Shore Outdoor Circle.
The state says it wants to assist the market in finding a new location. But organizers and vendors say the visibility of this spot can’t be beat.
"So whether it’s a resolution that will happen in this spot or we find another location, we’re hoping the market will continue with no glitches," said Pamela Boyar, the other co-founder of the market.
As of now, the market will stay put for two more Sundays. An alternate location has not been announced.
See the original article at: KHON2 Local News
