Korean supermarket
construction delayed
by strike, rain

THE expansion of Palama Super Market has been delayed by the same factors that have delayed Oahu's other construction projects, large and small: The cement strike and the rain, said Director of Operations Daniel Lim.

"Everyone that's doing some kind of construction has experienced some sort of delays," he said.

You can almost hear the collective, empathetic groan.

"We're trying to move as fast as we can," said Lim.

The new location next to Daiei Kaheka was to have opened in the spring, as reported in this space in July of last year, but Lim is now looking at a late September or early October opening.

"If we can get there sooner, then sooner, if later, then later," he said. Given the delays he was hesitant to offer a fixed date.

Tenants are anxiously waiting to move in and set up shop, he said.

Vendors subleasing space in the new store include a beauty salon, video store and others. The company is looking at bringing in a shipping company and maybe a travel agency.

"We wanted to get a real mix and variety and be able to offer a one-stop shopping experience for Korean customers, local customers, everyone," said Lim.

The store is planning to mirror its retail and food service operations at 1210 Dillingham Blvd. in the larger, two-story space.

Offerings will range from health and beauty products, home appliances and toys to grocery items, a line of heat-and-eat dishes to take home as well as a dine-in option.

There will also be a cooking demonstration area.

"Customers are going to be able to see different kinds of foods being prepared. They can watch the ladies making the food."

Sort of a Korean version of the Japanese food demo area in the Marukai Wholesale Mart at 2310 Kamehameha Highway.

The kim chee factory behind the Dillingham store pumps out an average of 100 gallons of kim chee a day, sold exclusively in the neighboring store.

However, Lim believes the market for the ethnic specialty products is big and that the factory's output can increase to meet the demand the new location will generate.

"For us, this project is one of the biggest projects we've ever come across," said Lim, a second-generation retailer.

Some of the experience has included tough lessons about encountering and resolving problems.

But Lim said, "All in all it's been a good experience and everyone has been really helpful, including the contractor and the banks."