Prayer reopens KCC market

Hundreds crowded into the Kapiolani Community College Farmers’ Market after it reopened Saturday for the first time since a college student was killed in a crash a week earlier.

But before opening, local entertainer Danny Kaleikini and market vendors prayed in the stall next to where University of Hawaii student Annie Runland, 27, was struck and killed by the driver of a truck owned by MA‘O Organic Farms.

Police are still investigating if the truck had a mechanical issue or if there was driver error. The driver of the truck, a woman in her 20s, was not hurt.

"We needed to have a coming together so we can thank everybody, heal, mourn and go on," said Pete Thompson, whose wife owns Licious Dishes, where Runland was working when she was hit.

Everyone is in mourning, he said, but Runland "would have wanted us to go on."

"We have a lot of people counting on us, so we need to be here," Thompson said while working in the same stall where the truck also hit him, which required him to go to the emergency room.

"We don’t want to turn a tragedy for some of us into a tragedy for everybody," he said. "There’s a lot of livelihoods on the line, and a lot of people rely on the market to get their things."

A memorial was set up next to Licious Dishes with pictures of Runland and flowers left by vendors and well-wishers. MA‘O Organic Farms did not attend the market, but the company left a message at the memorial that said it would not be attending Saturday’s KCC, Kakaako, or Waianae farmers markets.

"The MA‘O ohana considers all farmers market staff, vendors and customers a part of our farming family," the message said. "So at this time, we’re focusing on sending condolences and deepest aloha to those involved in this sad and tragic event and working with our staff and interns to ensure they are supported through this painful time."

Thompson said he wished MA‘O Farms had returned.

"We love MA‘O," he said. He said Licious Dishes’ grand opening in 2012 also served as a fundraiser for MA‘O Farms, a key supplier for the vegan gourmet restaurant. "We support the mission. We support what they’re doing. They’re fine people. This is a tragic accident. We absolutely have no animosity in our heart."

While preparing dishes Saturday, Thompson recalled the crash, which happened as he was putting a tablecloth on a table. Runland was centered in front of the truck and he was off to its side.

"I look up and the truck is right there in my face," he said. "You don’t have a second to react."

He was knocked backwards along with the table and the tent. As he lay on the ground, the truck’s tires rolled by, inches from his face.

Paramedics took him to the emergency room, and he left about six hours later with a sore back, which still bothered him Saturday.

Before opening Saturday, market organizers implemented new safety rules. Security kept the public out until the market opened at 7:30 a.m. Previously, the public could mill about and shop while vendors set up their booths.

Several vendors said their setup went smoother with the new rules.

Alex Le, owner of the Pig and the Lady, said: "Usually when we’re setting up, they’re all waiting, putting pressure on everybody. It helps us."

A fundraiser has been planned for Runland’s family from 1 to 4 p.m. March 30 at Greens & Vines, 909 Kapiolani Blvd.