Merchants are moving into the Waipahu Festival Marketplace, and the long-awaited attraction is scheduled to open at 7 a.m. Friday. The marketplace, which has been compared to the Ala Moana Farmer's Market, will feature three fish markets as well as vendors selling fresh produce and fruit, fresh flowers, snacks and other items.

The project is on the site of the former Waipahu Big-Way Supermarket along Waipahu Depot Road. Problems that delayed the opening have been resolved, said officials with the Waipahu Community Association, which is sponsoring the marketplace.

The association sees the marketplace as a means to stimulate business in the downtown core of Waipahu and hopes to draw West O'ahu residents and visitors alike. The marketplace features 6,300 square feet of leasable space.