Finally, I found the story about how the original Hana Marketplace that had so many in Hana excited and dreaming entrepreneurial thoughts, had taken a nose dive and become more of a nightmare. The article explains how the dreams of the marketplace died leaving a deteriorating monument to government incompetence in the heart of Hana for all to see.
I recall how excited I was when I heard the Hana Marketplace was going to be built for local Hana residents. Hundreds of tourists drive through Hana every day, in and then back out. It’s a long drive for most so they are ripe for stopping and relaxing at a pitstop. The Hana Marketplace would be the perfect solution. A place with a variety of interesting and local-owned businesses for tourists to get their shopping “fix” for the day despite being hours away from their tourist traps on the other side. The locals get a shot at working in the same town that they live in… a rarity unfortunately. A win-win.
It’s the reason I reserved the Hana Marketplace domain name. I hope that one day the marketplace in Hana will open for business. If/when it does then this domain and Website will help the local merchants reach out to the tourists that patronize their shops while on vacation long afterward via the internet. Maybe as absurd an idea as the original marketplace, but I refuse to let the dream die. Hana residents deserve better than they’ve received.
So how does such a good idea go so wrong? Here’s the best explanation I’ve found to date: In Hana Side News – Tiptoeing Around the Hana Village Marketplace
Finally, I should add that I’ve heard a variety of stories about the shenanigans that led to the demise of the marketplace and it’s not clear which stories are accurate and which ones are tales. No doubt there are politics involved that I’m unaware of and probably some folks in Hana that actually worked to stop the project in it’s tracks. But, until I hear a good explanation of why the marketplace should be stopped I’ll continue my efforts from the Washington DC area to keep the dream alive.
A hui hou
Kawika
