Makaha Fashion Boutique Joins Host of Other Successful Locally Owned Businesses at Makaha Marketplace

Pictured: Makaha Fashion Boutique is open Mon-Sat. from 10am-6pm, at Makaha Marketplace. Kari (left) and Ursula (right) Robles will be happy to help you. [Click on image for full-sized view]

Makaha Fashion Boutique is the latest in the line of locally owned and inspired shops opening at Makaha Marketplace. Its day-long grand opening was held on July 16, and enjoyed by an enthusiastic crowd.

"Makaha Fashion Boutique provides affordable fashions for the whole family," explained owner Ursula Robles, a native Hawaiian long time Wai`anae resident. "We want to give Wai`anae residents a closer option for shopping than Waikele, Pearlridge, or Ala Moana."

The Boutique will feature high-end casual resort wear from a variety of brand names, in sizes 2T to 3X. Sales will be cash only, and no bills over $20 will be accepted.

“The Boutique will also be selling electronics, such as MP3 players and IPods,” Robles added. “Prices will be below retail, with nothing over $30.”

"It's exciting to see the old "Cornet" building being filled with locally owned businesses that give Wai`anae residents places to get what they need and avoid the high cost of gas," said Rep. Maile Shimabukuro (D-45th).

Makaha Fashion Boutique joins a host of other successful local businesses at Makaha Marketplace, including:

-- Makaha Studios. Video production company started by Wai`anae High School's Searider Productions.

-- Keaulana's Surf Shop. Surf boards, repair, clothing, supplies; owned and operated by Makaha's first family of surfing.

-- Paradise Isle Visitor Center. Kayak, fishing, souvenir, beachwear shop, to be owned and operated by long time westside waterman Walter Ana.

-- Cyberwest. Internet cafe, video games, computer repair and setup for personal or professional use. Snacks too!

-- Makaha Chop Suey. Specializing in homemade roast pork; open 7 days a week.

-- Treasure Box Charities. Thrift store with a conscious that donates a percentage of its earnings to charity. Open M-F 9:30a-5:30p, Sat. until 2:30p.

-- Affordable Fitness. Fully equipped gym.

--Leeward Martial Arts. Martial arts instruction for keiki and adults by instructor Sean Harflinger.

-- GotVoice. Technology allowing phone voicemail to be stored online, and mass calls to be made via computer, owned and operated by Makaha resident Martin Dunsmuir.

-- WashSpot. Convenient and affordable laundry center open from 6am-10pm daily with drop-off service available.

-- Captain Bruce Scuba. Offers scuba excursions from Waianae Harbor.

-- K. Kim Contracting. Owned and operated by Keone Kim, long time Waianae resident.

-- Dr. Tammie A. Kim, PhD. Psychologist offering mental health services to the Waianae community (new patients by referral).

-- Team Real Estate. Property management and real estate services managed by Wai`anae resident Brenda Holbron.

--YCS Corporation. Operates the successful A+ educational programs.

-- Hawaii Retail Services LLC. Fast growing service provider to major retail stores in all the islands and a major new employer in Waianae; includes retail service projects and facility management in Hawaii, Guam and the Continental USA. Visit http://www.hiretailservices.com/ for complete details.

-- The Voice of the Believers Christian Church.

-- The Remnant Church.

Makaha Marketplace is also home to non profits and government agencies such as Steps for Independence, Hina Mauka, The Institute for Family Enrichment, Alaka’i Na Ke’iki, State Mental Health Clinic and the Clubhouse, all of whom service the Waianae community.

Further, Makaha Marketplace owner Lucky Cole has supported non profits such as the Hawaii Christian Coalition of Churches (HCCC) by providing storage space for supplies for HCCC's long anticipated transitional and low income housing project, Kahikolu Ohana Hale O Wai`anae. Cole also opens his doors to community groups such as the Makaha Ahupua`a and Makaha Hawaiian Civic Club, both of whom hold meetings at the Marketplace.

"Makaha Marketplace holds great hope for the future of entrepeneurialism on the Waianae Coast," Shimabukuro said. "The Marketplace, combined with other exciting developments, like the new Farmer's Market that's held twice a month at Makaha Resort, are making excellent progress toward "buying local" and our community’s self-sustainability."

Makaha Fashion Boutique is located at the Makaha Marketplace (87-1170 Farrington Hwy.), and is open Mon-Sat. from 10am-6pm. For more information, call 589-7315.