HANALEI — The Rotary Club of Hanalei Bay in partnership with Hanalei Business Association and Hanalei Initiative started their “Hanalei Bucks” program on May 15 at participating vendors on the North Shore, which ends on July 30.
The community is encouraged to bring a non-perishable food donation either at Ching Young Village or the Saturday Kilauea Farmers Market. Donors will receive $10 “Hanalei Bucks” to make a purchase at the participating merchants at www.hanaleitown.com
People may apply up to $50 of coupons (five $10 coupons) for one purchase. Coupons have no cash value and no change is given on a purchase made with a coupon.
“When the (Hanalei) landslide occurred on March 12th, our community, as is it nature, responded immediately to determine how to best serve the needs of those trapped on the other side of the landslide, and establish a system of relief,” said Co-President Elect of the Rotary Club of Hanalei Bay Ronnie Margolis. “The Rotary Club of Hanalei Bay jumped into action spontaneously.”
Margolis said it became clear that finding a way to support and help the local Hanalei businesses was a good place to invest some money.
“It’s truly a win-win when you think about it. Community members donate food which is donated to the Kauai branch of the Hawaii Food Bank, Margolis said. “In turn, the people donating the food get Hanalei Bucks to spend in Hanalei Town helping support the businesses there. And then twice a month, the merchants submit their bucks to Rotary in exchange for the cash.”
The RCHB has already received around $38,000 from website donors, individual large donations, and Rotary member donors, plus the monies donated by the community at the Farmer’s markets.
“The slogan ‘Give some to get some’ is a phrase coined by young Rotarian China Price that aptly describes the Hanalei Bucks program,” Margolis said. It’s really a great way to bring awareness to the businesses in Hanalei’s need for support and I feel excited that we can make a small difference all while gathering donations for the Food Bank.”
RCHB’s President David Dinner said ]it’s a delightful way for Rotarians to meet a large number of residents and visitors and a gratifying way to serve Kaua’i.
“I participated in the first day of Hanalei Bucks and it was so much fun to interact with Farmers Market goers who were excited to participate,” Dinner said.
Hanalei Center Manager and Hanalei Business Association Board Member Liz Doyle said the “Hanalei Bucks” program is a creative way to replenish Kaua‘i’s food banks and support its local merchants.
“It feels like we’ve been able to support our local businesses that have been hit over the last couple years and help support our community as well,” Doyle said.
Margie Bennett a Hanalei Bay Rotarian and working partner with Hanalei Initiative sad she is happy with the cooperation and support for everyone.
“People love the program – the rebuilding of the food bank and bucks to help our merchants still struggling and all the while we are having fun,” Bennett said. “Community collaboration is so valuable.”
Hawaii Foodbank Kaua‘i’s Director Wes Perreira said their good friends from the Hanalei Rotary have always had a keen eye in recognizing the many needs of the community.
According to Perreira, this COVID pop-up program appropriately named “Hanalei Bucks” is another example of how Hanalei Rotary remains one of the leaders in innovative thinking.
Perreira said they are trying to stimulate the economy in Hanalei and at the same time help the greater community by incorporating the food drive.
“We have always supported every community on Kaua‘i and have spent a lot of time on the north shore since the 2018 Flood,” Perreira said. “Most folks don’t know but we have continued service to the Wainiha/Haena areas ever since. One of the things we are most proud of is not only Hawaii Foodbank’s ability to respond to emergencies but more so the ability to sustain food distribution for the entire disaster.”
