Kmart being planned for Ke'eaumoku superblock

By Curtis Lum
Advertiser Staff Writer

The state's largest Kmart store is being planned for the "Ke'eaumoku superblock," the long-vacant parcel mauka of Ala Moana Center.

The 175,000-square-foot Super Kmart Center will be developed by Honolulu-based real estate development and consulting firm MacNaughton Group and be leased to Kmart Corp. MacNaughton Group has developed all but one of the state's seven Kmart stores.

Plans for the project were announced by MacNaughton chief executive officer Duncan MacNaughton at the Ala Moana/Kaka'ako Neighborhood Board meeting last night.

MacNaughton said a deal to purchase the 8.5 acres from owner Wichman Family Trust is in escrow, and he expects to complete the deal by early next year. The property is bordered by Ke'eaumoku, Makaloa, Sheridan and Rycroft streets and has been vacant since 1990.

He would not say how much the project would cost, but he said construction alone would be between $15 million and $20 million. Construction could begin as early as March and be completed in 12 months, he said.

In addition to the Kmart store, plans call for 9,800 square feet of space for six to eight retail shops, such as Jamba Juice and Starbucks.

Kmart is the latest in a long line of retailers that have eyed the large parcel. Proposals have included a massive high-rise/retail/entertainment center, a Home Depot, and a two-level Wal-Mart/Sam's Club superstore.

The previous proposals faced major opposition from residents and small-business owners. Last night, however, there were only a few complaints about an increase in noise and traffic caused by the proposed store.

MacNaughton said the proposed store would employ between 400 and 500 people and be open 24 hours.