Vendors, patrons trying to save Princeville farmers market after complaint shuts it down
A recent citizen’s complaint regarding zoning prompted the shutdown of the popular Princeville Farmers and Artists Market, leaving vendors on the North Shore of Kaua‘i scrambling after being cut off from a vital source of income.
For several years, the market had operated every Saturday at Prince Albert Park, a 7-acre space adjacent to the wealthy enclave of Princeville, home to resorts, award-winning golf courses and multimillion-dollar homes.
But in early January the Princeville at Hanalei Community Association, which manages Prince Albert Park, closed the market after a complaint revealed the land is not zoned for commercial use.
The market was started by small business owner Desirea Hirani in response to chronic road closures caused by the 2021 Hanalei Hill Landslide.
It was intended to be a temporary aid for North Shore farmers and artisans while they were unable to access other markets on the island. But the market eventually became a fixture for 50 vendors whose livelihoods relied upon it.
“Forty to 100% of their income is off of this particular market,” said Hirani, who sells vintage Hawaiian clothing.
She had operated another successful market at Prince Albert Park, the monthly Princeville Artist + Flea Market, before she began the Princeville Farmers and Artists Market.
“Markets like this are essential for us small business entrepreneurs,” she said. “Oftentimes we don’t have the inventory to be placed into a brick-and-mortar [store] to do wholesale accounts, or we can’t afford to wholesale because we’re making things ourselves.”
Hirani and other vendors have told news outlets the zoning complaint is just the latest action taken by a small group of Princeville residents upset with market-related traffic and parked cars.
Bryan Allen, general manager of the Princeville at Hanalei Community Association, did not respond to a Kaua‘i Now inquiry by press time. Yet, in a statement to members reported by Civil Beat, he claimed the association “supports the continuation of the market” and had only closed it to comply with county requirements.
An online petition in favor of the market has garnered more than 3,000 signatures. In addition, 1,000 handwritten signatures have been collected. Princeville residents have also written several letters of support posted to the market’s website.
“The Princeville Saturday market is a wonderful event, for residents, tourists and vendors,” said a letter signed by Paul Galewitz.
Another resident’s letter states the market is “a place where people can learn about the culture, language and music of the island.”
The Kaua‘i County Planning Department is now looking into the matter. It has not publicly disclosed the name of the individual or individuals who initiated the zoning complaint.
“A notice of violation for the commercial use of this site was recently issued; however, this is still an active and ongoing investigation,” planning director Kaʻāina Hull said. “Once this investigation is complete, we will be able to provide its findings.”
Hirani on Monday met with Hull and Mayor Derek Kawakami’s managing director Reiko Matsuyama. The officials were helpful and supportive, she said. Yet, they made it clear a long road still lies ahead.
Before the Princeville Farmers and Artists Market can resume operations, a zoning law must be changed, according to Hirani. She stated the process could take eight to 12 months.
The planning department is working closely with market organizers to understand the zoning laws and assist them in getting into compliance, the mayor said in a written response to Kaua‘i Now.
“Supporting locally-made small businesses, farming and agriculture is the heart of our community’s fabric,” Kawakami said.
He encouraged customers to follow Princeville market vendors on social media to continue to support them.