Wal-Mart Coming to Honolulu

Is the controversy over the new Wal-Mart store going up on Keeaumoku Street dead? Despite the protests and last month's lawsuit, the foundation is poured, pillars are pounded in and signs are proudly declaring the site a "future home."

I live on Keeaumoku, so the issue is always timely. But an article in the latest Time outlines what is essentially the company's plans for world domination.

Of course, Wal-Mart bashing has been a popular pastime nationwide for years now, and it's lurking here. I was shopping at Safeway in Manoa last night, and one of the cashiers had a pro-union, "No Wal-Mart" button. (I might have had more sympathy for her position, if she wasn't a lousy, rude employee herself... union or not.) Given the Time article, and the amazing progress on the "superblock" lot near Ala Moana, though, it seems that resistance is futile.

The kicker? I can't wait for the doors to open. I wished I kept up with the public hearings, 'cause I would've been down there with a big lei for the developers.

Er... Okay, not really. But traffic - complaint number one - has always sucked in that area, and the problem is easily solved: ban street parking. As it is, Keeaumoku - a major mauka-makai artery - is reduced to one usable lane in each direction because of street parking and left turns, and that's ridiculous. If they banned street parking (like they do during the holidays - and it works), traffic flows fine. Coordinated left-turn lights would make things run even smoother.

As for the impact on local businesses? My opinion is mixed there, but I still will shop at Wal-Mart. Hell, it's Tower Records and Ross' that need to worry, and they're Mainland companies, one already in trouble. And I suspect half the people defending "the little guy" today were the same folks fighting strip clubs and Korean bars - the type of business most folks associate with my street - five years ago.

I would have more empathy for local retailers if they really did offer all the benefits independent stores are supposed to offer - competitive prices, plus impeccable "aloha spirit" service. As it stands, "customer service" in Hawaii is almost extinct. In my job, I often have to collect quotes for goods and services, and half the time it seems folks would rather not have my business since it means they'd have to work. As long as their regulars are still alive and paying bills, they don't care.

If I'm going to have to deal with an abusive retail environment, I might as well save big bucks while I'm doing it. And man, the stuff at Wal-Mart might sometimes be crap, but it's cheap crap.

Comments

When the finishing building it.... I will come.

As another resident who lives in the area, yeah I have no problem in Wal-Mart openning up store on Keeaumoku.

I don't know if this Wal-Mart is going to be a 24 hour operation or not.

Too bad nobody listened to my idea for the area...forget Walmart, the superblock needs to be turned into a red light district. One floor would house all the adult-oriented bars and bookstores and whatnot, there would be some parking, and you could landscape it and build underground enough to put a nice spacious public park on top of it all and keep the businesses from being "eyesores" in the community. All the perverts would be happy, the old farts who want nothing but green space in the heart of Honolulu would be happy - it all works out! To bad it'll never happen though...

Are there any Wal-Marts that are not open 24 hours? I thought that was part of their identity.

Hmm. I guess not. But I'd almost guarantee you this one will given the neighborhood.

And Some Guy, it's generally a grand idea, but you first have to get Hawaii (or the U.S., for that matter) to the point where such businesses are mainstream, if not entirely welcome. A Mecca of adult enterprises - from bars and clubs to brothels - with a modern sense of commercial slickness would work here as well as anywhere.

Just not underground, not at that location. One of the challenges for Wal-Mart developers is already the water table, only a few dozen feet below ground.

The Wal-Mart in Lihue is one of those that are not open 24 hours.

With the recent financial problems of Daiei Hawaii, I hope a Walmart in the area wont hurt business to the point of Daiei Management deciding to close the Kaheka location.

Stranger things have happened.

Good point, Kane. I forgot about Daiei. A Google News search finds it referenced as "struggling retailer Daiei," selling off units and with executives stepping down.

I never had complaints about the prices at Daiei in Hawaii (occasional grocery store price surveys would always find them to be best), and I used to go there all the time. But I just fell out of love with it... the crowds, the parking, the employees (who seem angry at you for ruining their day).

The last time I went there, I was just on the grounds for a cheap bite to eat at the food court outside.

I used to depend on Daiei for the odd Asian cooking item, but then I finally got brave enough to learn my way around Chinatown.

So, who knows. I used to think Shirokiya would be around forever. I can see Daiei similarly floundering.

I don't think openning up a Wal-Mart in Keeaumoku is going cause the other nearby business to fold. Look what is around the Wal-Mart in Mililani.

I think Daiei will survive Walmart's move into the neighborhood. They have been gearing up for Walmart's entry into the market for some time now. Examples of this include having the Daiei store open for 24 hours a day (this started in 2001 I believe); the recent remodeling of the store's interior, though I think the floor and ceiling tiles could still use a uniform upgrade... Also Daiei's oriental product areas have expanded in recent months. That may be the key area in which Daiei could have an advantage over Walmart and possibly nearby Shirokiya.

The customer service at the check-out stand could use some improvement, and so could the timeliness of the product pricing in relation to what is posted on the shelf and what is actually rung up on the register. Often I have found price discrepencies between what the shelf sign says that the product sells for and what is rung up at the register (often higher than the posted shelf price)....

Buyer beware!

That said, Daiei still has to get over its corporate crisis back in Japan in order for its local stores to survive.

It's been a while since I walked around my block, for tonight I noticed a lot of pillings and crane booms in the lot.

I was very upset when all those people where protesting Wal-mart. Here is a good business wanting to break ground. But yet no one complains about all those damn bars and strip clubs! Come on , give me a break. This project will bring lots of needed job. Stop looking at only what you want to see and look at the big picture. I have to agree about banning street parking in certain areas. Come on People this is a very good thing. Aloha!

Hmm. In the interests of equal time, an interesting e-mail by Wal-Mart opponent Jim Becker.

For what it's worth, as a consumer I still look forward to shopping at Wal-Mart. Beckers questions are important ones, however, both on the overall impact question and, more importantly IMHO, relating to government ethics. I had no idea all that construction going on — easily hundreds of thousands of dollars worth already — is occurring before the building permit has been issued.

AND THE RICH JUST KEEP GETTING RICHER ! TAKE A LOOK AT THE BIG PICTURE AND YOU CAN PLAINLY SEE. NO NEED TO BE A GENIUS TO SEE IT HAPPENING. THE POOR AND MIDDLE CLASS IS GETTING SCREWED OVER SO THAT OWNERS LIKE WALMART CAN BUY THAT NEW YACHT AND YET ANOTHER PIECE OF CHOICE REAL ESTATE !

Anyone has any idea when the Keeaumoku Wal-Mart will be open?

This older article projects opening in late 2003 or early 2004. I'm not sure how the delays caused by the unearthed remains or ongoing litigation is affecting the timetable.

I visit Honolulu every year an wish a Wal Marts were there the Photo an film Dept. is great.The service at Wal Marts has always been great, at least where i am from.
I am sure it will be the same in Honolulu.Management makes it that way but, the employees aren't treated to well. I know, i had a part time job with Wal Mart a few years ago. I have always said they need a UNION.

well non the less.. i think it'll safe me money on GAS... i live just only 15 minutes away.

It's quite interesting to read what people think about the Wal-Mart opening up... I reckon that everybody does what benefits them most, the people who want to build a Wal-Mart here, the people who can get jobs that either pay better than the ones they have or are better than no job at all, the consumers who are clammering for the doors to be open yesterday... Welcome to American! I for one am happy that they are going to open up, 'tis the business way.

WalMart Keeaumoku's store opening is slated for October 17. It will be great to have this store right here in town. It sure beats having to drive all the way out to Mililani (which I rarely ever do).

Aloha...Hawaii...
I'm a proud new employee of walmart. Just to give the 411 ( info ) to all of Honolulu, Hawaii...Walmart Ke'eaumoku will be opening in 12days...thats 10/13/04 to the public, Sam's club will open one week later. The hours for walmart will be 6am - 12am and I believe its daily. Good god...isn't that gonna be FUNNN the first day...were gonna buss our buttss....I love my Walmart... so all who plan to shop or just to check out the newest store in Hawaii, please be respectful to all,....other customers, all associates and management....lets have funnn.

Tivia question...

1) how much was the ke'eaumoku land brought for?

ans) 35 million just for the land....

2) is walmart ke'eaumoku a super center?

ans) NO...NO...NO...Hawaii, most likely won't get a super center here. why? it takes to long for perishables to arrive in honolulu hawaii and than if need, to send to inner island...

3) how much did the Ke'eaumoku store cost?

a)the store alone, just to build cost....ready...100 MIllION US DOLLARS...
& remember the land cost 35 million...

WAL-MART KE'EAUMOKU ( I LUV MY WAL-MART ) IS THE MOST EXPENSIVE WAL-MART EVER BUILT...

This store alone currently has over 800 employee's...&still hiring, This store was a heaven sent, for many many people / families...most of the 800 plus hired got full time...and believe me awesome benefits...medical dental life insurance is awesome...company always rewards there employees....i love my Ke'eaumoku Wal-mart...#3478...remember safety fellow associates, inventory control, loss prevention....we get a beauti of a stake holders bonus check.

Thanks for the insider's perspective. We'd love to hear from you again after the first few weeks of business.

As this is an old thread, I'm going to close it to further comments. I'd like to encourage anyone still interested in discussing the new Wal-Mart store in Honolulu to join the conversation on the topic at HawaiiThreads.com. Just do a search for "Walmart" and you'll find a number of opinions. Share yours!

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