POIPU — Gift cards to The Shops at Kukuiula are being given away as the complex launches its 10th anniversary celebrations.
Starting earlier in the week, $1,000 in gift cards are being distributed through Aug. 30 as part of the anniversary celebration.
“We are so grateful for the strong support we have received from the local community for the past 10 years,” said Stacie Chiba-Miguel, general manager of The Shops at Kukuiula. “We look forward to welcoming guests to our 10th anniversary events, and celebrating 10-plus more years with The Shops’ ohana. Mahalo nui loa for all the love.”
Joining the gift card giveaway, the complex will host a social media event featuring a prize package from retailers and restaurants, Chiba-Miguel said.
To help celebrate the milestone 10th anniversary, Kauai designer Shannon Hiramoto of MachineMachine in Lawai has been commissioned to design an exclusive, limited edition 10th anniversary tote bag.
“Look, I have ink on my pants,” said Chiba-Miguel as she extracted a preview copy of the tote bag during the Kauai County Farm Bureau Fair. “These are the bags — I grabbed one as soon as Shannon did it — that will be available during the special (Wednesday) Aug. 28 Kauai Culinary Market for a $20 donation.”
A portion of the proceeds from these bags will benefit the Garden Island Arts Council, a local nonprofit that provides year-round music, cultural and art programs for the benefit of Kauai residents and visitors.
During the Aug. 28 market, instead of the traditional chef’s demonstration, the complex will host a special keiki arts and crafts station from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Palm Court. Keiki will have an opportunity to create their own tote bags with hand-carved blocks, many of which were used to create the commemorative tote bag, from MachineMachine. Proceeds will benefit the Garden Island Arts Council.
With a break on Thursday, The Shops at Kukuiula dedicates its monthly Flavors of Kukuiula event to the 10-year celebration.
Ron Wiley, the KQNG Radio Group on-air personality, will emcee the event that will open with the band Cruz Control, followed by a headlining performance by the Greenstone Project. John Rivera, lead vocalist and founding member, has been part of The Shops of Kukuiula ohana for the past 10 years.
The Flavors of Kukuiula is a pau hana party, featuring food from participating restaurants as well as refreshments from Merriman’s wine and beer garden, and the Tortilla Republic’s margarita bar.
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
