LIHU‘E — “Is the fire big enough?” Ferdinand Dosono, founder of Kaua‘i Kim Chee, wanted to know Saturday at the Grove Farm Market in Puhi. “I know you like big fires.”
The fire on the custom-built grill was big enough to accommodate the eatery’s normal orders and then some as it released the aroma of grilling kalbi ribs with a side of Javalana organic corn acquired from Mayette Loseto’s “house.”
“We sold out of selected items already,” Dosono said. “And with everyone being asked to stay away from large gatherings, we have more people ordering for their stay-at-home parties.”
Government and health officials earlier pleaded with people to slow down — not shut down — over the traditional three-day weekend activities for the sake of safety and to help contain the spread of the COVID-19 and the delta variant.
“The highly contagious delta variant is spreading through our community,” said Mayor Derek Kawakami during a Friday announcement establishing fines and enforcement efforts regarding COVID safety violations.
“We all need to follow the rules to slow the spread of this disease while our case counts are at a record high. Please avoid large gatherings this holiday weekend and in the weeks to come for the health of our community.”
Government officials stopped short of ordering a shutdown in an attempt at curbing the novel coronavirus.
“The best way to stop this COVID surge is for everyone to take personal responsibility because government can’t be everywhere,” said Gov. David Ige in a message. “Government can’t do it alone. That’s why they’re urging — no, pleading — with people to get their shots, wear their masks and do their part to stop this dangerous surge.”
A drive-thru bon food fundraiser scheduled by members of the West Kaua‘i Hongwanji Mission, the Waimea Higashi Hongwanji and Waimea Shingon Mission for Sept. 11 announced its cancellation due to the continuing rise in COVID-19 cases.
“While we were looking forward to seeing everyone at this fundraiser, our Kaua‘i community’s safety is our greatest concern,” said the Rev. Tomo Hojo of the West Kaua‘i Hongwanji Mission in his Sunday cancellation announcement.
“You know Sonya Emura and Kaua‘i Churros?” Dosono said. “They’re making their first appearance today at the Grove Farm Market. We share our commercial kitchen with them so they can open their business. Did you get to try any?”
The economic impact of the long weekend was not lessened by the slowdown, as the Sheraton Kaua‘i Resort continued to host its series of pop-up booths designed to support small businesses and help with fundraising for the Kaua‘i Visitor Industry Charity Walk.
In Lawa‘i, the ‘ohana of Lawa‘i Market celebrated its first anniversary after opening in the midst of COVID-19 pandemic.
A team of uniformed Kaua‘i Police Department officers patrolled Kukui Grove Center Saturday with eyes open for COVID-19 rules compliance. The COVID-19 protocol in place closely follows that set by the state and local governments.
“Normally, we would have a high-attraction feature and features to celebrate the long weekend,” said Melissa McFerrin-Warrack of Kukui Grove.
“But with the high rate of COVID-19 case counts, we’re just doing a Missing Polynesia pop-up. We’d like to invite families to enjoy our restaurant offerings either to-go for partying elsewhere, or to enjoy in the food court that is socially distanced for safety. We’ll have Steve Dubey and Hank Curtis on the stage at the same time doing Sunday jazz. We want everyone — our shoppers, and our tenants — to be safe.”
Meilin Vitale-Vae of Missing Polynesia was down to her last racks of clothing Sunday.
“We’re going to be here until Monday afternoon,” Vitale-Vae said. “We brought all new items of Polynesian-lifestyle-inspired wear and accessories for our Kaua‘i supporters. Everyone is so nice. They were waiting for us to come back.”
•••
Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
> “because government can’t be everywhere,” said Ige.
He sure wishes it could be, though.