Stores, theaters due as Kapolei center grows

Kapolei Commons, the biggest shopping center west of Waikele, is slated to become a lot bigger late next year or early 2012.

The developers of the Target-anchored center said they will add a block of upscale outlet stores and an entertainment and restaurant component expected to break ground early next year.

Leasing and design work are under way, though no prospective tenants are being named except for a previously announced 12-plex Regal Cinemas. Stores could be open in late 2011 or early 2012.

The 260,000-square-foot addition would follow the opening of the initial 300,000-square-foot phase that opened in March 2009.

Combined with 40,000 square feet of store space now under construction, the planned expansion would complete the retail complex at its envisioned 600,000 square feet.

The expansion is projected to create about 750 construction jobs and 350 retail jobs.

Initial developers of Kapolei Commons, local firms The MacNaughton Group and Kobayashi Group, are partnering with Newport Beach, Calif.-based outlet center development firm Craig Realty Group on the expansion.

Craig Realty has been involved with developing 4.3 million square feet of retail in six states.