They brought down the fence.

Signaling the end of the retail version of the Cold War, officials from Don Quijote Co. yesterday removed a section of the barrier that had divided the former Daiei store in Kailua from neighboring Safeway. The rest of the fence will be taken down next week.

For years, Daiei officials had ignored customers' requests to remove the chain-link fence that separated two of Kailua's largest grocery stores, prompting some impatient shoppers to cut holes in the fence.

That all changed when Don Quijote acquired all four Hawai'i Daiei stores earlier this year.

"We believe our customers will appreciate being able to walk from our store to other shops along this block," said Don Quijote spokesman Koji Suganuma.

"We hope this change will benefit not only our customers but the community as a whole."

Kaneohe Ranch, which manages the property on which the stores are built, commended officials from both Don Quijote and Safeway for reaching the agreement.

"Local residents have been clear that they want a pedestrian-friendly environment that allows Kailua to retain its small-town atmosphere," said Mitch D'Olier, Kaneohe Ranch president and chief executive officer.

"Removing the fence and making it a lot easier for people to enjoy shopping at both locations fits the community's vision for the area. This simply couldn't have happened without the cooperation of both Don Quijote and Safeway."

Yesterday, the four former Daiei departments stores reopened under the Don Quijote brand name. While the new store operators' product inventory will largely be the same, the new owners have added a brighter and fresher look to the long-time local retail outlets.

Reach Rick Daysog at rdaysog@honoluluadvertiser.com.