KITV - article

October 18, 2009

Target Eyes Locations In Kailua

Resident Opinions Mixed On Big-Box Stores

HONOLULU -- Target aims to build another superstore in Hawaii on Oahu's windward side.

One of the spots the store is considering is the Don Quijote store location in Kailua. Although the lease with Kaneohe Ranch is not up until 2022, talk about the popular retailer is bringing mixed reactions from Kailua residents.

"We have been waiting for a Target to come to Kailua. I think the whole Kailua neighborhood will welcome Target with open arms," longtime Kailua resident Kathleen Morgado said.

But Kailua board member Donna Wong said, "In the past, the Kailua community has been opposed to big boxes coming in to our community. We still consider ourselves a very small community and very unique."

A Kailua neighborhood board meeting with the issue on the agenda will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Kalama Park.

A Target spokesman said a final site has not yet been decided, but the store plans to choose a site within the next two years.

There are currently three Target stores statewide with one under construction in Hilo.