The state has given the Hale‘iwa Farmers’ Market another two weeks to continue operating near Joseph P. Leong Highway and Kamehameha Highway, allowing the market more time to find a new home.
That gives the market until June 10 before it has to move.
Today was supposed to be the last day at the current site for the market, which opens Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
"We’re just grateful that the state is working with us, and we hope to continue a good relationship with them," said Pamela Boyar, co-owner of the market. She said the market will have about 25 farmers and 60 booths today.
"We’re working really hard to find another location," she said. "It just takes time. We’re grateful for them to allow us the time."
She said having to close the market for one day would have an economic impact on the farmers and lead to wasted food.
"The farmers can’t stop the chickens from laying eggs, and they can’t stop the lettuce from growing in the field," she said. "If we end up closing down for the day, (the farmers) are going to lose a lot."
She and co-owner Annie Suite are looking at three alternative locations — Waialua Courthouse, Waimea Valley, and Liliuokalani Protestant Church.
Boyar said it takes time to meet with the different groups and receive approvals from their boards. She didn’t have an estimated date on when the new site would be secured.
Market organizers were first told they would have to move by April 10 because the market was in violation of state laws about vending from highways.
State officials also were concerned about the risk to pedestrians walking to the market.
The state has since given several extensions, and Gov. Neil Abercrombie said he is supportive of local farmers and vendors.
The market has operated at the triangular site near the junction of the two highways for three years.
For more information on the market, visit haleiwafarmersmarket.com or call 388-9696.
