Hawaii’s newest Safeway store will open to the public in Hilo tomorrow at 381 Makaala Street in the Makaala Center, on land leased from the state Department of Hawaiian Homelands.

The 61,000 square-foot store employs more than 200 people and will be open from 5 a.m. to 1 a.m. daily.

It will mark its opening this afternoon with a private blessing by Kahu Sheldon Lacsina. Big Island Mayor Bily Kenoi, Hawaiian Homes Commission Chairman Alapaki Nahale-a will be in attendance at the blessing as will Steve Burd, chairman, president and CEO of California-based Safeway Inc. The company also will host a VIP event this evening.

The Safeway Foundation will present a $10,000 donation to the Hilo community, specifically to Waiakeawaena Elementary School, The Boys & Girls Club of the Big Island and Bay Clinic, Inc.