SAVOR THE SUNSET
The 55-year-old Lahaina Library needs improvements and with the State of Hawaii strapped for cash, help is coming from the Maui community, as well as Citrus College in Southern California. SAVOR THE SUNSET
The Lahaina Rotary Club has spearheaded the improvement movement along with assistance from Maui Friends of the Library and sponsorship from the Royal Lahaina Resort, targeting an annual fundraiser called “Savor the Sunset” to raise the needed monies.
The goal is $20,000 for this second phase of the facelift. This includes plans drawn up and donated by Rich Cowan of Archipelago Maui that lower the book shelves, which will promote a more natural air flow. There will also be new flooring and a new circulation desk. The plan is to have both the front and back doors of the building open during the day.
Last year’s first “Savor the Sunset” event raised $5,000 that went to new furniture for the library. Other improvements to date are a new $25,000 self-checkout system donated by Maui Friends of the Library, and a $50,000 grant from North Beach Association for two new security systems. “The State of Hawaii is thrilled,” says Sara Foley, Rotary’s renovation committee co-chair. “They have done their part in updating the computers at the library last month, and I hear wifi service is next. We are hoping we can get the labor donated for the phase II improvements. All of the cost is for materials.” Improvements are planned to go in during July 2012.
This year’s Second Annual “Savor the Sunset” event will feature entertainment by the Citrus College band Night Shift, a pop rock ensemble that will be visiting and playing at the Hyatt Maui through July 23. Guests can also enjoy pupus from the Royal Lahaina and wines from Better Brands on the beautiful lawns of the Royal Lahaina Resort. Tickets are $35 and you can reserve and purchase them at 5A Rent-A-Space (669-5200) or the Royal Lahaina Resort (661-3611 x2348).
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAUI THING
Maui Thing is another year older and a bit wiser. The small retail shop located on Market Street is known for its organic feel-good designs done locally as well as its iconic octopus logo. Saedene Ota from Sae Design wanted her Maui Thing brand to transcend the beach culture island-wear with positive, environmentally friendly, earth-conscious designs. Their graphics-driven silkscreened knits are sized for men, women and children and show off messages like “stuck on good” in tanks, tees, dresses and hoodies.
Maui Thing started out on Market Street and from the beginning has embraced the First Friday celebrations, procuring and setting up a stage, food booths and fun during the block party celebrations in front of their store. This past First Friday (July 1) they honored their third anniversary with a fashion show of their new collection and a free concert by Willie K. “As a small business we rely on our neighbors, constituents, partnerships, trade and cross-promotions,” says Ota. “My proudest moment is ‘us’ working together for a greater cause.”
The Maui Thing brand says their biggest challenge is fabrication and shipping, and finding local manufacturers. “It’s like finding a needle in a haystack, and sometimes we don’t even have the haystack,” she said. The fact is that Hawaii is simply not a source for the garment industry. But their niche and direction remain the same, and they continue to define their brand as staying true to their local customers. ■
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