Longs plans to open first Waikiki branch

Longs Drugs is planning to open its first Waikiki store at the former Teddy Bear World site at the Bank of Hawaii Waikiki Center.

"We are in the very early planning stages to build a store in Waikiki, but at this time we are not commenting on any details," said Mike DeAngelis, spokesman for CVS/pharmacy, parent company of Longs, in Rhode Island. "We continue to look for opportunities to expand in Hawaii."

Architects Hawaii Ltd. is scheduled to provide details of the plan at the Waikiki Neighborhood Board meeting Tuesday from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at the Waikiki Community Center.

Longs will open a two-story store that includes a pharmacy after extensive renovations, said Robert Finley, neighborhood board chairman, adding that it is a much-needed amenity in Waikiki.

"There are only two pharmacies in Waikiki," he said. "The 20,000 or so residents in Waikiki, many of whom are seniors, certainly would like to walk over to their pharmacy."

The only other pharmacy options in the district are the Kuhio Pharmacy at the former Jack in the Box restaurant location on Kalakaua Avenue between McCully and Niu streets, and at the Ohana Waikiki West hotel.

Irvine, Calif.-based KZDev­Co LP, a real estate development company working with Longs, spoke to the Waikiki Improvement Association last month about CVS’ plans to open a 20,000-square-foot location in late 2015, said Rick Egged, association president.

James Cochran Jr., leasing agent for the Bank of Hawaii Waikiki Center, said he is in negotiations with several tenants for the Waikiki Center space and hopes to sign a deal before year’s end.

"We don’t have a lease with anybody for that space yet," he said.

Longs is entering an area dominated by ABC Stores, which has 35 locations scattered throughout the state’s largest tourism hub.

While ABC doesn’t sell prescription drugs, they do offer over-the-counter medications, as well as convenience foods and toiletries.

Japanese-based convenience store chain Lawson USA Hawaii Inc. opened its first two Lawson Station locations in the United States in 2012 at the Sheraton Waikiki and at the Moana Surfrider, with plans to open 20 to 30 more stores on Oahu, largely concentrated in the Waikiki area.

"We think it’s a great idea," Egged said of Longs opening in the bustling neighborhood. "I’ve actually wanted one in Waikiki for a long time. It’s a great addition to Waikiki because it’ll provide services that will be much in demand, both from the standpoint of our visitors and even our residents and people who work in Waikiki."