The Haleiwa Farmer’s Market has been given a two-week extension at its location and has been presented with several possible alternative locations, the state said today. 

One suggested site is the Liliuokalani Protestant Church at the corner of Kamehameha Highway and Emerson Road in Haleiwa town. 

"It is approximately the same size as the current location, and already hosts similar events for handcrafters and artisans," the state said in a press release.  

"Liliuokalani Protestant Church supports local farmers and the local community.  We look forward to discussing the possibility with the farmers and vendors of serving as the new home for the Haleiwa Farmers’ Market,"  John Hirota, treasurer and past moderator for the church, was quoted as saying in the press release.

  In addition to the church, the state said it has advised the market that the Office of Hawaiian Affairs ("OHA") has offered two other properties.

"OHA has offered the historic Waialua Court House, recently renovated, which is in the heart of Haleiwa and is open for community events," the press release said. " OHA has also offered Waimea Valley, which has a large parking lot, which could easily accommodate the Market and more."  

The state said Attorney General David Louie and Department of Transportation Director Glenn Okimoto met today with an attorney for the market.

"There was never a question if the Market will continue," Gov. Neil Abercrombie was quoted in the press release. "We have always fully supported local farmers. Our effort in finding another location is to ensure a venue where farmers and vendors can market their goods without liability. The Market’s present location is forbidden by law and the State is subject to liability.  For some time we have been trying to help the Market relocate and believe a solution is at hand.  We are giving the Market a final two week extension to allow relocation in an orderly fashion."  

The Transportation Department sent the market a certified letter April 5 to leave the site, citing a statute that prohibits vending from public highways.

The Sunday event attracts 2,500 shoppers. The farmers market was established in April 2009 when the Department of Transportation allowed market owners to use the site rent-free in support of local farmers

The market has operated at the Haleiwa bypass road at the junction of Kamehameha Highway and Joseph P. Leong Highway the past three years.