WAIMEA — Kuhio Hale Farmers Market, one of the longest-standing market locations on the Big Island, will soon have a new distinction on Saturdays as the first in the state to include a livestock silent auction, alongside traditional produce and craft booths.
Situated on the grassy lawn in front of the Hawaiian Homeland West Hawaii office in Waimea, the weekly public auction will be set up on the east end of the market. It is scheduled to launch this Saturday as a new place where ranchers, farmers and individuals can sell their livestock including cattle, sheep, goats and chickens.
“Ranchers in our community felt left out of the farmers market scene,” said Dan Manuel, the Kuhio Hale’s marketing manager. “After all, they had a product too. So our Board teamed up and came up with a silent auction. We checked with DHHL office for any restrictions and having none, everything was a go.”
Between 8-9 a.m. on Saturdays, animals can be registered. At 9 a.m., silent bidding begins at the information booth until 10 a.m. The buyer and seller then complete their transactions and arrange delivery.
“I’ve spoken with at least a dozen ranchers so far explaining the program,” Manuel said. “The rest is word of mouth.”
To reserve a space to sell their livestock, participants must call 882-0403 no later than the Thursday prior. There is a $20 fee for each large trailer or $10 for a smaller one.
“We don’t want to leave anyone out,” Manuel said. “We can accommodate five large cattle trucks a week. In addition to ranchers from this region, we’d like to have others as well from other parts of the island.”
He is also in talks with the Hawaii Island Humane Society about starting a weekly adoption program at the market to begin later this month. In addition, Kuhio Hale holds family activities on the second and fourth Saturday with changing themes each month. On Oct. 8 and 22, the Halloween theme will include costume contests with judging and prizes at 10 a.m.
“We want to have a community market that supports self-sustaining living in Hawaii,” Manuel said.
Info: Dan at 882-0403