The flower business is booming on weekends like this one.
But some roadside vendors trying to get a piece of the action…do it both illegally, and many say, dangerously.
State law prohibits the commercial use of any state road or roadside, that includes grassy areas and medians.
But today, dozens of flower vendors lined Kamehameha Highway in Kaneohe.
"We’re here to visit my dad for Memorial Day. We’re just waiting for more family, its our Memorial Day tradition," says Tara Filoialii, visiting the Memorial Park.
Part of many families traditions also include bringing flowers. It’s a way to honor and show respect to our ancestors.
But on the route to Hawaiian Memorial Park Cemetery, drivers say there is anything but honor and respect as drivers pull in and out trying to get a good deal on flowers.
"It is a traffic issue. In fact, we think of stopping sometimes because you see all the flowers and you got a lot of choices but its just too dangerous really. You have the on-ramp H3 to the marine base, and people trying to come straight up the hill. Everybody’s rubbernecking," says Kehau Costa, a florist customer.
But many say its too good to pass up…
"Its worth the savings," says Jenise Fo, a vendor customer.
"I think they’re less expensive, because they don’t have to mark them up and these are the guys that got the flowers and things," says Bruce Kuhle, a vendor customer.
Police say they received more than 20 complaints today of the illegal roadside vending and the traffic impacts.
When they showed up on scene, the vendors quickly packed up and drove off.
But five minutes later, we saw some of the same vendors driving back to set things up again.
"Its good they can sell their flowers, but I think we need a safer way to do it," says Fo.
Illegal vendors can be charged with a petty misdemeanor crime, which is punishable by a fine of up to $1,000, up to 30 days in jail, or both.
See the original article at: KHON2 Local News
