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Auction Of Thailand Treasures Feed Needy

by: Beth Hillyer

(KHNL) - A man who bought a container from Thailand sight unseen makes a remarkable discovery.

KHNL News-8's Beth Hillyer has details on how you can benefit from this amazing find.

When Alex Rosales opened the container it was like a treasure chest. But the treasure sat around for a year and now he's putting everything up for auction. And the best part, a local charity benefits.

The warehouse at Akamai Auto Sales on Nimitz Highway is packed with one-of-a-kind carvings.

Everything from giant hand-carved tikis to ornamental parrots. Alex Rosales explains how it all started, "They needed money, needed to sell items. I had cash to spend and bought a container."

Rosales found a treasure trove from Thailand inside the container, "I had no idea beautiful things here very unique items."

Colorful carvings include bright lizards and a carved Buddha.

There are dream desks for the keiki like this train. By far the most unusual items are these life-size cigar store Indians.

"These are great I don't see anyone in Hawaii wanting these."

At first he thought about opening a store. "I was not able to secure a lease all treasure sitting here a year."

So tomorrow morning everything goes to the highest bidder.

And very much in the spirit of giving, Rosales is donating the proceeds. "All profits from the sale benefit my favorite charity, harbor house. They feed people in need in the Waimanalo area. Harbor House's Jerry Foster says, "And he said I want to donate profits to you and I said what? And he said I want to donate something to Harbor House."

Volunteers with Harbor House distribute food from the foodbank.

The unload boxes and then form a human assembly line to sort it all.

Needy families on the Windward side take home boxes that include fresh produce and canned goods.

If a little money goes a long way, the money raised from the auction will go a long way.

Foster adds, "Probably put it on our account at the Hawaii foodbank."

Susan Hummell principal of Waimanalo Elementary and Intermediate School reiterates, "Harbor House is a worthy cause. they contribute so much to the community I know all of our families benefit."

The auction begins at 10 am and Rosales who owns Akamai Car Sales is also auctioning several cars too.