PAHOA » A grocery store in Pahoa that closed one week before Christmas when lava from Kilauea Volcano threatened to overtake it will reopen next month.

Malama Market shut down Dec. 18, displacing more than 70 employees. But approaching lava subsequently stalled and has yet to reach Pahoa Marketplace shopping center where the grocery is located. The grocery is slated to open again March 18 following an employee rally and store blessing.

The 10,000-square-foot, locally owned grocery opened in 2005 and is one of five Malama Market stores in Hawaii operated by the Sullivan Family of Companies.

"We are so grateful to be able to reopen Malama Market Pahoa and serve the community again," said Jenai S. Wall, chairwoman and CEO of the Sullivan Family of Companies. "And we are working with our partners Aloha Petroleum to reopen Malama Gas N Go on the same day."

The reopening is expected to feature new merchandise including expanded natural and gourmet offerings, specialty items and new selections in wine and spirits, the company said.