The more consistent patrons watched the area immediately surrounding the market transform from the familiar Ohi`a/weed forest to a thriving garden and village setting. Those traveling Highway 130 on the weekdays began to see more activity in general throughout the week. Now, the market almost seems to be social epicenter at times.
The Maku`u Farmer's Association, which manages the market and surrounding grounds, is seeking ways of expanding cultural and educational offerings, enlarging the market and erecting a community center.
"We just need $9 million, that's all," jokes association member Paula Kekahuna, referring to the estimated price tag for their community building. She explains that the idea has been in the works for a few years now and they are seeking both loans and grants to assist with its construction.
The bulk of the profits generated from market booth spaces has enabled the construction of the new bathrooms as well as the large parking lot and driveway under construction on the eastern portion of the property. Kekahuna said the entire community would benefit from a community center on the site -- not just those residing in the associated subdivision. When completed, the community center would entail both a public and private certified kitchen, hula studio, gathering and dining areas, and offices to support administrative efforts.
Paula's son, I`oane Kekahuna, started as a volunteer responsible for parking back in 2001. Now, he and Hidi Bottello are being handed down the responsibility of managing the market, cultural village and future community center from their elders. Both oversee marketing, fundraising and grant-writing processes -- carried out by yet another set of young adults -- that have supported many of their programs in the past.
The cultural village entails traditional house structures and gardens where much care was taken to preserve the ohi`a standing before their design. Hawai`i Correctional Facility inmates are primarily credited with the initial labor, which started in 2002, and I`oane is now responsible for making sure the grounds are well-kept.
For this task he acquires volunteers and coordinates community service days with various church and school groups as well as with court-appointed citizens of any age. The original roof thatching over the largest shelter is now absent. I`oane said that finding someone well-versed in undertaking such projects using traditional lau hala methods was not possible at the time of its construction, so the group chose to use bamboo-like plastic material from Wal-Mart that they did not know would be so short-lived. "We need someone who would like to finish it with the lau hala, or maybe give us some more ideas," I`oane says.
The fish pond keeps leaking, so they are also in need of someone with this area of expertise.
The village and the market area also have served as classrooms for programs devoted to the Puna youth throughout the year -- including intermissions. Councilwoman Emily Naeole released a portion of her discretionary funds to cover the cost for the past curriculum. Paula Kekahuna explained that children from all over lower Puna attended, and some were even offered scholarships for school through another grant.
The association wants to keep these programs growing in strength. They are seeking cultural practitioners of various sorts to help with future classes. In the past, mentors had been paid generously through various grant funding, but they would not turn down anyone willing to share their skills without compensation.
Over the past year, the County of Hawai`i Department of Research and Development and the Hawai`i Tourism Authority have covered the expenses incurred for offering workshops open to the general public. Supplies are included with the arts and crafts activities, though attendees are asked to bring their own ukuleles to the workshops. Instruction in basic Hawaiian language is also presented, and is open to all ages. These 13-week sessions are free.
Kekahuna said the association would like to offer more classes during the week throughout the year, but they will wait to consider it until after their parking lot is finished.
No one within the association knows at this point where money will be secured for any of what has been offered in the past, what they'd like to offer in the years to come, and what they feel needs to be built to support the programs they deem are successful. They understand that the economic outlook is grim right now and that state and federal grant money may be harder to secure. For this reason, they are more than open to community members able to assist with monetary donations for specific projects -- whether it's the community center or their educational offerings. Even if they do secure the grants they are currently seeking, they'd need matching funds for many of them.
Anyone interested in helping with future funding, gathering workshop information or offering their skills is encouraged to call 896-5537 or visit makuufarmersassociation.org.
