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Maku'u Farmer's Market Closed Today (Sept 4)
#41
OK, let's continue with that theme:

WHAT'S UP WITH LONG'S SO-CALLED DRUG STORE? Only two or three aisles actually HAVE drugs! Why do I have to wade thru aisles of greeting cards, snacks and beverages, hair-care products, deodorants, toothpaste, wrapping paper, office supplies and even gardening products!!! It's called a DRUG store!!! Why are they selling things THAT ARE NOT DRUGS!!![:0]

Farmer's Markets have ALWAYS sold crafts and knick-knacks, and continue to do so all over the world. We were at a lovely Farmer's Market in Helsinki a couple of months ago. We bought some lovely berries, as well as a souvenir hat and T-shirt. I'm pretty sure none of the locals were upset by our actions, or were concerned that my wife has dark skin and is CLEARLY not at all Finnish.
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#42
Most of the stuff there isn't farmed, or sold by farmers, and most of the stuff that is farmed isn't farmed or sold by local farmers.

But I don't disagree with you at all, the nomenclature is relatively irrelevant though I'm sure "Maku'u Farmer's Market" is much more appealing in a tourist brochure than "Maku'u Flea Market".

The fact is that most of the stuff that local farmers actually produce is prohibited by local laws from being sold there. That's not their fault.



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#43
Excellent point brought by Lodestone. I think it gets a little silly to get too hung up over strict adherence to the literal interpretation of the title "farmers market". There's a whole range of open markets out there depending on management, community, environs. People are free to shop where they find appeal. Customers of farmers markets typically find and frequent their favorite vendors according to their individual needs and preferences. Personally, while I love supporting those vendors growing their own product, I like having sometimes more economical options for certain products too. I certainly don't mind having other types of merchandise available as well. Particularly hand crafted items produced by local artisans and such. Personally I'm not too keen on garage sale type stalls in the mix, preferring they have their own separate section if they are present, but I doubt I'd throw a hissy fit over it.

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#44
If you're looking for more drugs lodestone and you can't find it in Longs, I'm sure there's many other spots in Pahoa you can find them.
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#45
quote:
Originally posted by terracore
The fact is that most of the stuff that local farmers actually produce is prohibited by local laws from being sold there.
You mean pakalolo? Because that is probably what 90% of Puna farmers grow as a crop. Yeah, don't think that is going to be a Farmer's Market produce item any time soon.

No, this is about having a quick convenient stop for the vegetables and fruits for the week. It has nothing to do if Joe Blow Roadside stand has stuff. It doesn't have to be strictly produce, prepared food stands and coffee vans are food. It would just be a great way to get an early start on Saturday, get your vegetable and fruit shopping out of the way, go to the beach in the afternoon.

The reason the fact the Farmer's Market is really a CRAFTS FAIR now being an issue is the congestion. Some people would like to find parking fast, compare the produce stand to stand, price and quality, get what they need, pick up a latte and muffin to take home. It is not subtracting anything, it is adding to. There would be no competition eliminated except maybe the Pahoa Saturday "Farmer's Market", more aptly described Pahoa Zoo.

*Japanese tourist on bus through Pahoa, "Is this still America?*
*Japanese tourist on bus through Pahoa, "Is this still America?*
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#46
Why would you describe the Pahoa Farmer's Market as the Pahoa Zoo?
Assume the best and ask questions.

Punaweb moderator
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#47
the Farmer's Market is really a CRAFTS FAIR now being an issue is the congestion

Inevitable byproduct of the obsolete ground-based single-purpose real-estate zoning. New space-based real-time delivery will mean thousands of local products delivered right to your door -- even quasi-legal goods like pakalolo and unrefrigerated farm-fresh eggs.

There's just no point in building more markets that will be totally worthless before they even finish the permitting process.
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#48
Maybe vendors LIKE that the market is crowded, attracts tourists and locals, and has something for everyone. I sometimes go down there just to get lunch, but end up picking up some local produce.

As to local produce, it would be nice if local vendors didn't have to compete with free trade slave wages imported produce. Not sure if a hawaii-grown only market would have enough variety to draw in customers. I hope someone tries it.
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#49
Not sure if a hawaii-grown only market would have enough variety

Check out the "Market at the Mill" (Saturday mornings, Hilo Coffee Mill) for an example of what that's like -- be sure to go inside for the $9 waffle and a $5 cup of coffee.
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#50
"You mean pakalolo? Because that is probably what 90% of Puna farmers grow as a crop."

I meant things like eggs, meat, milk, cheese, and products made with said items that don't come from a licensed / inspected commercial facility. There are some of these 'gray market' items available at the local farmers markets (usually eggs and honey) but the reality is those products aren't any more legal to sell than pakalolo, the only difference is one is handled by criminal laws and the other by civil and/or administrative laws.
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