Posted on: Tuesday, September 4, 2001

Maui market to help build community

By Christie Wilson
Neighbor Island Editor

WAILUKU, Maui — Residents of the Kahekili Terrace public housing project are learning business and computer skills while preparing to open the People's Market on the corner of Vineyard and Market streets in Wailuku town.

The market, featuring fresh produce, flowers, crafts and other goods, is expected to be operational in November, said Cliff Libed, public housing manager for the state Housing and Community Development Corp. of Hawai'i.

A $100,000 federal grant is financing the startup of the business by the nonprofit Kahekili Terrace Residents Association as an initiative to introduce residents to small-business concepts and opportunities. The Hui Malama literacy agency helped set up a resource library, and Maui Community College assisted with computer training, Libed said.

He said another goal of the market is to "integrate residents of the public housing project with the general community, to let people know Wailuku is a safe place for people to come back to and that this is a pedestrian-friendly town, even in the evenings."

The market fits right into county plans to recapture Wailuku town's past as a center of retail and community activity. Several other projects are being planned to draw people to the county seat at night and on weekends, and not just during the work week.

Residents of the 86-unit Kahekili Terrace and the 29-unit Makani Kai Hale public housing project in nearby Waiehu have been clearing the 9,000-square-foot vacant lot that is being leased for the market and are working on a marketing plan to attract vendors. There also are plans to use a smaller lot across the street for additional market space.

To create an attractive, "quality" operation, Libed said custom-made tents were ordered and will be set up for vendors on market days. A stage will be available for entertainment.

Libed said plans are to operate the market at least twice a week.