What are the guidelines for selling produce at the city's open markets? I see quite a bit of mainland produce being sold. I thought the products must be locally grown and sold by the growers, in order to benefit our local truck farmers. If they sell mainland stuff, aren't they in competition with markets? A friend tells me regulations now allow this, or is it just that the restrictions are not being enforced? Open market welcomes
all kinds of produceThe People's Open Market program gives preference to vendors who grow their own produce, but there is no restriction on selling mainland produce or produce not likely to be sold by neighborhood grocers, such as ethnic fruits and vegetables.
"We do not feel we are in competition with the markets, as the vendors offer only a limited amount of off-grade produce normally 30-40 percent below prevailing retail markets," said city parks spokeswoman Patti Nagao.
The Open Markets have three purposes, she said:
Provide the public, especially "the less affluent," a chance to buy low-cost fresh agricultural and aquacultural products, or items not commonly found in markets.
Permits are issued to vendors monthly. The city does not receive any revenue from this or any percentage of profits, Nagao said.
There are 50 vendors, each assigned three market days a week. Markets run six days a week, 52 weeks a year, at 22 sites. More than 1 million people were counted for the 1995-96 fiscal year.
Whenever the police release a report about a traffic accident, why don't they emphasize whether a person was wearing seat belts? It depends on the officer giving out information, said Maj. Gary Dias of the Honolulu Police Department's Traffic Division.
"However, it may be a valuable piece of information to help educate the community of the value of wearing seat belts," he said. "We will try to remember to issue that information, but when we do not, your reporters should ask."
To the white Grand Prix that didn't stop after being involved in a fender bender. The other party turned off Moanalua Road onto Pono Street, but it kept on going. Auwe
To everyone who helped after a three-car accident at a dangerous intersection near Wal-Mart in Mililani. Fortunately, no one was injured. I was especially concerned because of little children who were in two of the cars. After the police officer left for another emergency, leaving my baby and me waiting for the tow truck, at least four more cars came by offering assistance. I hope a stoplight can be added at that intersection on Lanikuhana. -- B.O. Mahalo
To people who use weed killers on windy days. I don't think they are aware that the spray can carry for blocks and can kill their neighbors' plants and trees. Be more aware of what you're doing! Auwe
To the two women and crew at Manoa Fire Station who helped our dad when he collapsed at the Manoa Post Office Sept. 20. He's told us all about your comforting words and quick actions. We're very grateful that you were there and wish you the same kindness of strangers in the future. By the way, he's feeling much better now and promised not to lift any more heavy boxes! -- The Looks Mahalo
Boy Scout Troop 37 of Kaimuki needs a standard-sized American flag. If any readers have one to donate, call Jeff at 734-7209. Flag needed
