LIHU‘E — Robert Tamura scored his pumpkin through the help of the Pau Hana Market monitors, Monday during the free pumpkin giveaway at the weekly market at the Kukui Grove Center.
“It’s free,” Tamura said, nestling the golden orb atop his walker. “I can use it for Halloween.”
Tamura was one of the more than 170 people scoring pumpkins during the giveaway that was a partnership between the Kukui Grove Center, the Kaua‘i County Farm Bureau, Kekaha Agriculture, Corteva Agriscience, Hartung Brothers, and more.
The cowbell signaled the start of the giveaway that lasted a mere 10 minutes as the people waiting in line descended on the pumpkin pile that whittled away by the many young hands searching for that perfect jack-o-lantern specimen.
“These are all grown in Kekaha,” said Laurie Yoshida of Corteva Agriscience. “We grew some for last year, but the weather and timing were off. We ended up buying a lot. This year, we grew everything.”
All told, more than 4,000 pumpkins are accounted for distribution, starting with the Pumpkins and Treats giveaway Saturday, and concluding this Saturday with distributions at ‘Aina Ho‘okupu o Kilauea, and the Grove Farm Market at Puhi Park.
“We must have sent out more than 1,100 pumpkins in Kekaha,” Yoshida said. “We sent out another 300 with treat bags, apples, and vegetables to Anahola through the Kamehameha Schools, and delivered some to Kukui Grove. Today is the last of the pumpkins Corteva produced. We’ll let Hartung Brothers take care of the other deliveries.”
With deliveries to Kekaha, Hanalei, Anahola, and the Kukui Grove accounted for, there are more distributions taking place.
Friday, pumpkins will be distributed in a drive-through format at The Shops at Kukui‘ula North parking lot starting at 3 p.m. until supplies are exhausted. COVID-19 safety and health rules will be observed, including the wearing of face masks and social distancing.
‘Aina Ho‘okupu o Kilauea will be distributing “Free Carving Pumpkins,” Friday and Saturday at their facility located at 3000 Kilauea Road. Doors open at 5 p.m., Friday, and 10 a.m. on Saturday.
Pumpkins will also be given away, Saturday at the Grove Farm Market at Puhi Park when the signal starts at 9:30 a.m.
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
