Buying local will aid small businesses
While it is sad to see many businesses close up on Kaua‘i, there are some businesses staying open and ready to serve our community.
I recently visited “Marta’s Boat” and Ambrose’s “Kapuna” store. They opened Kapuna (“Da Spoon”) in 1971, in Kapaia (big sprout sandwiches and clothing upstairs). They later moved to their present location, the yellow buildings across from Foodland and McDonald’s in Kapa‘a.
Marta sells baby clothes and toys, hand-painted adult clothing, hangings, one-of-a-kind jewelry and even ‘dressy kine’ face masks made from fine Japanese silk.
Ambrose is ever-present with tales from then and now, selling his own personal artistic line of merchandise. I just purchased his “one-of-a-kind” surfing T-shirts in men’s sizes. Ambrose and Marta make everything they sell. Ambrose has a great island-style of painted clothing. Even the wrapping paper is artful and found only on Kaua‘i.
One other place where we shop is Beachrail Lines at Anchor Cove in Nawiliwili. Owner Diggs is a train man. He sells all Lionel products but so much more. Bolo knives, coconut huskers and toys galore. Going to his shop at Anchor Cove is an event. Prepare to spend time looking at miniature 1966 Volkswagon vans and thousands of contraptions. (BTW, their house rental was sold, so Diggs and Sandy need a place to live).
Places like Longs/CVS and the like have a definite role as the “big guys.” Our family, when we can, makes an effort to buy local. This is what will keep our towns alive. We have to take care of each other.
Sincerely;
Mary Gannon Alfiler, Kapa‘a
Source: The Garden Island
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