Safeway’s Hokulei Village project to break ground Jan. 29

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Safeway’s Property Development Centers will break ground for its long-anticipated Hokulei Village shopping complex Jan. 29, at the center site on the corner of Nuhou Road and Kaumuali`i Highway in Lihu`e.

A 56,000-square-foot Safeway Lifestyle store is the anchor tenant of the 14.25-acre complex. The supermarket will join a Walgreens pharmacy, a Petco pet supply store, a Jack in the Box restaurant, other restaurants, a fuel station, a major financial institution and other retail and commercial entities that are in lease negotiations.

“We are pleased with the response from the public and retailers, and for the support of the County of Kaua`i. Hokulei Village will employ the most advanced concepts in retailing design and energy conservation,” said Gerry Wolfe, Vice President for Development with Property Development Centers, a Safeway affiliate.

The Hokulei Village project has been in planning since 2008, after surveys indicated a strong demand for the retail, finance and other opportunities it will offer. Its development was delayed by a number of factors, including the national economic slowdown.

“Safeway is excited to be able to contribute to the expansion of retail opportunities on Kaua`i through Hokulei Village, and to bring Safeway’s unique shopping experience to the Lihu`e area,” said Keith Turner, Safeway’s Public Affairs and Government Relations Director.

Installation of underground infrastructure should begin following the groundbreaking. Vertical construction should start in mid-2014. The Safeway Lifestyle store should open late this year, with remaining tenants opening late this year or early 2015.

The project will include significant buffer areas and setbacks from existing roads, will be heavily landscaped and will preserve viewplanes to the scenic Ha`upu Range. The project will also connect to existing walkways throughout the area.

Hokulei, a peak on the Ha`upu Range from which the center takes its name, lies almost directly south of the site. It is also the name of a Hawaiian navigational star, Capella, the brightest star in the Auriga constellation.

The new Hokulei Village Safeway store will be an example of the national retailer’s Lifestyle Store concept. It will carry an expanded selection of regular and organic produce and will showcase Safeway’s Select, Signature and O Organics brand products along with several specialty departments, making it a one-stop shopping experience for customers.

The Safeway at Hokulei Village will join Safeway Kapa`a as the island of Kaua`i’s second Safeway, and will be the 22nd Safeway store in the state of Hawai`i.