HONOLULU (KHON2) — The City and County of Honolulu launched a Mākeke Mahiʻai, or farmers’ market, at a Waipahu Skyline station on Sept. 29 as part of its new “Food Hubs at Skyline Stations” initiative.
The initiative is done in collaboration with D.R. Horton Hawaiʻi, Hawaiʻi Foodbank and ʻElepaio Social Services, with the foodbank providing their services for the flagship event with their Mobile Food Pantry.
At the food hub, participants could get fresh produce, dairy, proteins and more provisions, which was funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies.
The goal of the outreach project is to help increase access to healthy food and encourage the support of native produce and local farmers.
“Food insecurity across Hawaiʻi — and especially on Oʻahu — is a complex and persistent issue. It is important we create solutions tailored to address the unique challenges faced by our local families, neighbors and communities,” Hawaiʻi Foodbank President and CEO Amy Miller said. “This partnership with the City and County of Honolulu will allow us to expand our reach and bring more nutritious food directly to where people live and commute, reducing barriers for those who need support the most.”
Additionally, the Hōʻaeʻae and Honouliuli stations will feature prototype food-growing spaces, creating an opportunity for local families to learn about gardening, harvesting and plant restoration.
D.R. Horton Hawaiʻi is using this opportunity as the city’s partner to share their “Grown in Hoʻopili” efforts, which promotes edible landscaping for single-family homes and community gardens at the Skyline stations.
“We are thrilled the city is extending ‘Grown in Hoʻopili’ concepts to the Skyline station, providing opportunities to meaningfully connect urban agriculture, housing and transportation,” said D.R. Horton Hawaiʻi President Tracy Tonaki. “We believe access to locally-grown food is critical to healthy families and communities and look forward to supporting the city’s innovative food hub idea along the entire Skyline route.”
For Mayor Rick Blangiardi, the initiative is all about “building a stronger, healthier Oʻahu.”
“By integrating food-growing spaces, food pantries and farmers’ markets into our Skyline stations, we are reimagining public transit as a tool for food security, health and resilience,” he said.
Events in the initiative are as follows:
- Sept. 29 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.: Mākeke Mahiʻai at Hōʻaeʻae Station.
- Oct. 6 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.: Mākeke Mahiʻai at Honouliuli Station.
- Oct. 10 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.: Hawaiʻi Foodbank Mobile Food Pantry Distribution, registration is required.
To register for the Mobile Food Pantry, fill out the online form.