Posted on: Monday, October 1, 2001

Editorial
Kmart is welcome as superblock tenant

We hope Kmart will follow through with intentions to build its "super center" in the so-called Keeaumoku Street "superblock."

Whatever Kmart builds there, the results are bound to be positive. Consider:

• Especially if it proceeds in light of the tragic events of the past two weeks, it's a welcome sign of hope for economic improvement.

• While plans for a big-box retailer are a far cry from some of the grandiose condo and retail schemes hatched and abandoned over the years, at least they sound doable amid today's realities.

• Retail price competition in this neighborhood is just what the Honolulu consumer needs.

• That ugly 8.5-acre parcel, vacant for a decade, at last can find a use.

If Kmart proceeds with its plans to build there, we have just one plea:

Don't build a generic strip-mall "big box" facility. This lot is in an attractive, upscale neighborhood, including the newly upgraded Ala Moana Center.

Please build to suit. Make this an urban gemstone.