August 5, 2010
Kailua Target Schedule to Open July 2010
Reported by: Ron mizutani
After months of speculation, landowner Kaneohe Ranch received confirmation Wednesday that big-box retailer Target is its newest tenant.
The discount-store will build its fourth Hawaii location on the site of the current Don Quijote Store in Kailua.
The new Target store is scheduled to open in July 2012. Don Quijote in Kailua will remain in operation until next March.
Kailua is home to dozens of family-owned stores and businesses.
"We have so many businesses in Kailua that are nowhere else, they are from Kailua and unique to Kailua," said Kailua resident Barrie Morgan.
But big brother appears to be moving in. On July 29th, Don Quijote's leasehold interest was officially transferred to Target Corporation.
"This is an important step toward bringing Target to Kailua and we remain focused on ensuring we build a store that can be embraced by and meets the needs of local residents," said Target Communications Manager Sarah Bakken.
"What is best for the community," asked Rosie Goo one of hundreds of windward Oahu residents saying no to Target. "Everything that this unique place can be is more important than cheap, bigger and easy."
"There will be a lot of businesses that will be put out of business by the under-cutting prices of a large discount store that is subsidize by a mainland corporation," said Morgan.
"Ultimately I think this will be good for small businesses, I think it will be great for restaurants," said Mitchell D'Olier, President and CEO of Kaneohe Ranch. "The thing that I like from a convenience point of view about the Target idea is that it fills in the merchandise categories that force Kailua to leave Kailua."
"We believe that a new Target store in Kailua not only makes good business sense, but will meet the needs and wants of the community by providing a one-stop-shop experience, featuring high-quality products at a great value," said Bakken.
"You get the benefits that come with Target ,it's a big merchant and I'm sure they have their benefits, like I said going bring a lot of people over here," said Kailua resident Chris Naluai.
Target is working on a traffic study.
"If you need what Target has there are Targets on the island you can zip right over the H-3," said Goo.
Community members will voice their concerns at the Kailua Neighborhood Board meeting Thursday night at Kailua District Park.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Hawaii News Now - article
August 5, 2010
Kailua residents speak out about planned Target store
By Brooks Baehr - bio | email
KAILUA (HawaiiNewsNow) - National retailer Target plans to open a store in Kailua in July of 2012.
KAILUA (HawaiiNewsNow) - National retailer Target plans to open a store in Kailua in July of 2012.
That news drew vocal opposition from Kailua residents at a neighborhood board meeting Thursday night. While some spoke in favor of the big box store, a majority of those who spoke expressed displeasure with the retailer's plan.
Opponents signed a petition urging Target to stay away, and said Target does not mesh with the rest of the town.
"They want to be the one stop shop for Kailua, and that's everything that Kailua is not about. Kailua is a place you come to. You wonder. You go to specific destination places," said Kailua businessman David Kim.
There are, however, people who welcome the retail giant.
"I think if anything you look at Kailua's nature in the first place, they are kind of progressive. I think this relates to the progressive nature of Kailua. I'm pretty sure you are going to see some of those people who are against that store, they are going to be shopping there," said Kailua resident Kealii Flood.
Target plans to build on property owned by Kaneohe Ranch and currently occupied by Don Quijote. In late July Target acquired Don Quijote's leasehold interest in the property.
Target gave members of the Kailua Neighborhood Board a statement saying, "... we remain focused on ensuring we build a store that can be embraced by and meets the needs of local residents."
Target already has three stores in Hawaii. It has two stores on Oahu and one on the Big Island. It is also opening a store in Hilo.
Kim said those places may be a good fit for Target, but Kailua is not.
"I like jumping on H3 and driving to Target. I have nothing against that. The target in Salt Lake is not necessarily smack dab in the middle of a neighborhood. It's the old Costco site. It was planned for that," Kim told Hawaii News Now.
"You've got your pros and cons, but I believe they are a perfect set for that area that you have back there. It's kind of dilapidated. You've got holes all over the place (in the pavement in the parking lot). I think if you are looking at somebody that can be responsible, take care of that area, get it done as quickly as possible, Target is your person to do it," Flood countered.
The Kailua site is already zoned for commercial use, so even if a majority of people are against Target, there seems little they can do to stop it from coming.
"Really and honestly I must inform the community that unless Target seeks a zone change or unless Target seeks any type of variance for the property, which they've told me at this point they will not be seeking either, they will not have to come before the City Council (for approval)," said City Councilman Ikaika Anderson.
Target will have to do a traffic impact study. That study will have to be approved by the city before the retailer can open.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Windward Oahu News - article
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Shopper urges traffic study for Kailua Target
Editor’s note: This letter originally was sent to Mayor Hannemann in June.
Editor,
Kailua is a small, wonderful community, which is why I chose to live here. But there are few roads coming into Kailua, and traffic is difficult at times.
Target is exploring moving into Kailua where Don Quijote’s is located at 345 Hahani St. This already is a very congested area, as Safeway is on one side, the post office is on the other, and the streets always are busy. An independent traffic study by the city should be done now before plans progress any further.
My daughter lives in Portland, Ore., across the street from a large Target at Washington Square, one of the largest malls in the greater Portland area. We both like to shop there, but the traffic always is a problem. This Target is located on a four-lane road and just off of the exit from a freeway. Although Target installed a traffic light on the main road so people could safely get in and out of the parking lot, traffic remains a problem. I just cannot imagine what it would be like in Kailua. Horrible.
Target has said that it’s having a traffic study done, but that would certainly be biased toward them. Please have an independent traffic study done by the City and County of Honolulu.
Thank you.
Claudia L. Webster
Kailua
Shopper urges traffic study for Kailua Target
Editor’s note: This letter originally was sent to Mayor Hannemann in June.
Editor,
Kailua is a small, wonderful community, which is why I chose to live here. But there are few roads coming into Kailua, and traffic is difficult at times.
Target is exploring moving into Kailua where Don Quijote’s is located at 345 Hahani St. This already is a very congested area, as Safeway is on one side, the post office is on the other, and the streets always are busy. An independent traffic study by the city should be done now before plans progress any further.
My daughter lives in Portland, Ore., across the street from a large Target at Washington Square, one of the largest malls in the greater Portland area. We both like to shop there, but the traffic always is a problem. This Target is located on a four-lane road and just off of the exit from a freeway. Although Target installed a traffic light on the main road so people could safely get in and out of the parking lot, traffic remains a problem. I just cannot imagine what it would be like in Kailua. Horrible.
Target has said that it’s having a traffic study done, but that would certainly be biased toward them. Please have an independent traffic study done by the City and County of Honolulu.
Thank you.
Claudia L. Webster
Kailua
Saturday, May 29, 2010
MidWeek - Letter to Editor
Wednesday - July 28, 2010
Shopper urges traffic study for Kailua Target
By MidWeek Staff
Editor’s note: This letter originally was sent to Mayor Hannemann in June.
Editor,
Kailua is a small, wonderful community, which is why I chose to live here. But there are few roads coming into Kailua, and traffic is difficult at times.
Target is exploring moving into Kailua where Don Quijote’s is located at 345 Hahani St. This already is a very congested area, as Safeway is on one side, the post office is on the other, and the streets always are busy. An independent traffic study by the city should be done now before plans progress any further.
My daughter lives in Portland, Ore., across the street from a large Target at Washington Square, one of the largest malls in the greater Portland area. We both like to shop there, but the traffic always is a problem. This Target is located on a four-lane road and just off of the exit from a freeway. Although Target installed a traffic light on the main road so people could safely get in and out of the parking lot, traffic remains a problem. I just cannot imagine what it would be like in Kailua. Horrible.
Target has said that it’s having a traffic study done, but that would certainly be biased toward them. Please have an independent traffic study done by the City and County of Honolulu.
Thank you.
Claudia L. Webster
Kailua
Thursday, May 20, 2010
KHON - article
May 19, 2010
Target is looking to build in Kailua on the site of the current Don Quijote store.
On Tuesday night target presented their plans to Kailua residents - many of which had concerns about traffic.
"The main road, goes, skirts the outside and it doesn't go through the main business district of the town. So if they created a traffic jam, not just in their area but if they expect to draw people from Kanehoe, it's faster for people who lives in Kanehoe to go to Salt Lake," said Kailua resident Clinton Abe.
"Because we understand the, you know, the unique feel of Kailua, we're actually going to be building our smallest store in Hawaii," said Ed Padgett, a Target representative.
"Traffic is not only a concern for Kailua residents, it's also a concern for Target."
Target hopes to begin construction in 2011.
When complete, the store would have between 250 and 300 employees.
Kailua Don Quijote store could be replaced by Target
Target is looking to build in Kailua on the site of the current Don Quijote store.
On Tuesday night target presented their plans to Kailua residents - many of which had concerns about traffic.
"The main road, goes, skirts the outside and it doesn't go through the main business district of the town. So if they created a traffic jam, not just in their area but if they expect to draw people from Kanehoe, it's faster for people who lives in Kanehoe to go to Salt Lake," said Kailua resident Clinton Abe.
"Because we understand the, you know, the unique feel of Kailua, we're actually going to be building our smallest store in Hawaii," said Ed Padgett, a Target representative.
"Traffic is not only a concern for Kailua residents, it's also a concern for Target."
Target hopes to begin construction in 2011.
When complete, the store would have between 250 and 300 employees.
KITV - article
May 19, 2010
HONOLULU -- At a meeting Tuesday night, Kailua residents received the news many in the room didn’t want to hear.
A Target representative explained to the packed room, the company’s plans to open where Don Quijote is currently located in the middle of Kailua town.
The majority of residents opposed the chain store moving into Kailua, but there were some residents who welcome Target in their neighborhood.
“If you live in Kailua, Don Quijote sells they offer a lot of things you can’t find anywhere else unless you want to go to Chinatown or like where am I going to find a bamboo steamer at 10 p.m.,” said Kailua resident Steve Parker.
Many residents fear the big box store will draw heavy traffic, which residents said the roads aren’t capable of handling.
But Eric Padget, a spokesperson for Target assured the crowd the company is conducting a traffic study to determine how traffic congestion can be reduced.
Amid those against Target moving into Kailua, was a longtime Kailua resident who welcomes the store.
“I still think its going to be very good for Kailua. It’s going to provide jobs people need them here. I love what they’re doing with this huge parking lot and turning it into something appealing,” said Sandra Kelley.
The company plans to start demolishing the Don Quijote building, along with several other stores in the strip mall, in the summer and be ready to open in the summer of 2011.
The company expects to hire 250 to 300 employees. Target said Don Quijote employees will not get preference.
There is no word yet on when Don Quijote will close.
Residents Voice Concern About Target Moving Into Kailua
Construction Expected To Start 2011HONOLULU -- At a meeting Tuesday night, Kailua residents received the news many in the room didn’t want to hear.
A Target representative explained to the packed room, the company’s plans to open where Don Quijote is currently located in the middle of Kailua town.
The majority of residents opposed the chain store moving into Kailua, but there were some residents who welcome Target in their neighborhood.
“If you live in Kailua, Don Quijote sells they offer a lot of things you can’t find anywhere else unless you want to go to Chinatown or like where am I going to find a bamboo steamer at 10 p.m.,” said Kailua resident Steve Parker.
Many residents fear the big box store will draw heavy traffic, which residents said the roads aren’t capable of handling.
But Eric Padget, a spokesperson for Target assured the crowd the company is conducting a traffic study to determine how traffic congestion can be reduced.
Amid those against Target moving into Kailua, was a longtime Kailua resident who welcomes the store.
“I still think its going to be very good for Kailua. It’s going to provide jobs people need them here. I love what they’re doing with this huge parking lot and turning it into something appealing,” said Sandra Kelley.
The company plans to start demolishing the Don Quijote building, along with several other stores in the strip mall, in the summer and be ready to open in the summer of 2011.
The company expects to hire 250 to 300 employees. Target said Don Quijote employees will not get preference.
There is no word yet on when Don Quijote will close.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
KITV - article
February 8, 2010
KAILUA, Hawaii -- A source close to the deal told KITV 4 News that Target entered into an agreement to take over Don Quijote's lease in Kailua.
Target is making sure it has all the information it needs to proceed with the transaction, sources said. If both sides agree, Target could takeover by August, sources tell KITV.
Employees of Don Quijote and neighboring businesses they've been on the edge since Target announced its interest in the Kailua location. They said they believe closure is imminent.
"It is finalized from what we know. We are going to close," Kaleolani Ane said.
Ane is head cashier at the Kailua Don Quijote. Management from the Kaheka Street store notified staff of the closure, Ane said.
"They did tell us it's going to happen this year," she said. "We were informed that we could collect unemployment."
Employees said they have questions but no answers.
"We are suppose to be closing in March, but we don't really know for sure. August is suppose to be when everything is suppose to be out of the store,"
"But as far as when we are going to get layoff the staff we have no idea
Don Quijote's lease with landowner Kaneohe Ranch runs through 2022. The lease includes a strip of shops that would likely close if Target moves in.
The news brought mixed reactions from customers.
"I don't like the idea," customer Nona Simao said. "Its just like all of Kailua is disappearing."
"It would be spectacular. I would love it," customer Elaine Dewhurst said. "I have to go all the way over the other side to get what I want from Target."
Employees said they continue to work with no net, hoping for information.
"Right now, we are just left in the dark, and hopefully we'll get news soon," Ane said.
Two businesses along the strip mall recently moved out.
Representatives from both Don Quijote and Target did not return phone calls from KITV 4 News on Monday.
Source: Target Reaches Agreement On Kailua Lease
Retailer Could Take Over Don Quijote Lease In AugustKAILUA, Hawaii -- A source close to the deal told KITV 4 News that Target entered into an agreement to take over Don Quijote's lease in Kailua.
Target is making sure it has all the information it needs to proceed with the transaction, sources said. If both sides agree, Target could takeover by August, sources tell KITV.
Employees of Don Quijote and neighboring businesses they've been on the edge since Target announced its interest in the Kailua location. They said they believe closure is imminent.
"It is finalized from what we know. We are going to close," Kaleolani Ane said.
Ane is head cashier at the Kailua Don Quijote. Management from the Kaheka Street store notified staff of the closure, Ane said.
"They did tell us it's going to happen this year," she said. "We were informed that we could collect unemployment."
Employees said they have questions but no answers.
"We are suppose to be closing in March, but we don't really know for sure. August is suppose to be when everything is suppose to be out of the store,"
"But as far as when we are going to get layoff the staff we have no idea
Don Quijote's lease with landowner Kaneohe Ranch runs through 2022. The lease includes a strip of shops that would likely close if Target moves in.
The news brought mixed reactions from customers.
"I don't like the idea," customer Nona Simao said. "Its just like all of Kailua is disappearing."
"It would be spectacular. I would love it," customer Elaine Dewhurst said. "I have to go all the way over the other side to get what I want from Target."
Employees said they continue to work with no net, hoping for information.
"Right now, we are just left in the dark, and hopefully we'll get news soon," Ane said.
Two businesses along the strip mall recently moved out.
Representatives from both Don Quijote and Target did not return phone calls from KITV 4 News on Monday.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Honolulu Advertiser - letter to editor
November 21, 2009
KAILUA CAN’T ACCOMMODATE STORE
Target proposed for Kailua — no, no, no.
Target is a place where I shop and I was glad to have Target come to Oçahu. I am not pleased to see that they are considering Kailua for a possible fifth store. The location where Don Quijote is seems much too small for a Target. I also would not want to lose Don Quijote; it provides many different unique products and I shop there weekly.
Due to its size, Target seems much better suited for somewhere in Käneçohe, close to Windward Mall or Windward Shopping Center.
Prior to moving to Kailua, I had a condo in Oregon close to Washington Square Shopping Center near Beaverton. There was a very large Target just across the main street from my condo. I shopped there myself, as did many people. The traffic was terrible. At all hours of the day and evening when Target was open. There were times when the parking lot was so full that people had to wait for others to leave before parking. Kailua does not have the streets or the space to accommodate such a store and such traffic.
Target would be welcome on the Windward side, but not in Kailua, at least by me.
CLAUDIA WEBSTER | Kailua
KAILUA CAN’T ACCOMMODATE STORE
Target proposed for Kailua — no, no, no.
Target is a place where I shop and I was glad to have Target come to Oçahu. I am not pleased to see that they are considering Kailua for a possible fifth store. The location where Don Quijote is seems much too small for a Target. I also would not want to lose Don Quijote; it provides many different unique products and I shop there weekly.
Due to its size, Target seems much better suited for somewhere in Käneçohe, close to Windward Mall or Windward Shopping Center.
Prior to moving to Kailua, I had a condo in Oregon close to Washington Square Shopping Center near Beaverton. There was a very large Target just across the main street from my condo. I shopped there myself, as did many people. The traffic was terrible. At all hours of the day and evening when Target was open. There were times when the parking lot was so full that people had to wait for others to leave before parking. Kailua does not have the streets or the space to accommodate such a store and such traffic.
Target would be welcome on the Windward side, but not in Kailua, at least by me.
CLAUDIA WEBSTER | Kailua
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