GRAND OPENING OCTOBER 20 - 3:00-6:30 PM
Mahalo to all - vendors, entertainers, shoppers, and hard-working staff and volunteers - who came to the Grand Opening of Mākeke Kapolei! It was, indeed, a grand day with more than 800 people attending. The buzz of excitement was in the air, and the sounds of home-grown talent filled our ears. More than 30 vendors shared their products and keiki participated in fun games as well as pony rides and petting zoos. Pickles the Cow and Smokey Bear also made guest appearances. In one word, WOW!
Auntie Nettie of Lanikuhonua began the afternoon with a Hawaiian blessing, gathering representatives from the three key partners - Kapolei High School, Wai'anae Coast Comprehensive Health Center, and Mālama Learning Center.
We couldn't have asked for a more talented emcee, Georgette Stevens, who serves on the board of Mālama Learning Center, and also sings, plays guitar, and performs with her daughter, Keala'iliahi, a spirited hula dancer. They performed several numbers that set the stage for more to come.
Other performers included students from the Performing Arts Center of Kapolei, American Renaissance Academy, Kapolei High School Polynesian Club, and Halau O Ka'ululau'ae. There was acting, singing, and dancing. It was non-stop, top-rate entertainment right from our own community of Kapolei!
There were many items to shop for, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, pickled vegetables, smoked meat and fish, hand-pounded pa'i'ai (kalo and 'ulu), natural home-made fruit/flower drinks, native plants, house plants, orchids, coconut peanut butter, vermiculture (worm composting) kits, organic coffee, hand-made jewelry, and more. There were also "zero waste" stations promoting the three R's: reduce, reuse, and recycle. If it didn't get dark, we would've been out there for 3 more hours!
Though we won't be able to put on such an event every week, there will always be great shopping and a chance to meet new friends at Mākeke Kapolei.
