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TheBuzz
Erika Engle
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Kaneohe is getting back a drivers license testing center, in a new spot
THE KOOLAU CENTER, the retail venue formerly known as Temple Valley Shopping Center, may see more traffic in its future with next month's opening of the long-awaited City & County Driver Licensing Center.
It doesn't look like the operation will be open in time for the shopping center's Dec. 17 Christmas celebration. "We should be open just before Christmas," said Jeff Coelho, director of the city Customer Services Department. "It's a priority for the Mayor to get it open on time."
The 3,000-square-foot center will be staffed by six drivers license examiners, support and clerical positions.
Personnel are going through final training now, and while some equipment or computer glitches are possible at first, they should be worked out quickly, Coelho said.
It was announced in September 2004 that the former drivers licensing center at the Honolulu Police Department's Kaneohe substation would not reopen over safety concerns and other issues. That has sent Windward folk over the hill and into long lines for new licenses.
Koolau Center is "a safe area for people to get into and out of. ... We have to be concerned about the inexperienced drivers behind the wheel" and the examiners, Coelho said.
Increased traffic bodes well for the center and its tenants, including brand-new locations of Ninja Sushi and Da Kine Wireless.
The center is location No. 5 for Pearl City-based Ninja Sushi, which offers dine-in and take-out service, and No. 3 for Da Kine Wireless, which also has stores in Haleiwa and in Laie, where it is based.
The center's longtime tenants include Times Super Market, McDonald's, Consolidated Theatres, Supercuts and Subway.
Erika Engle is a reporter with the Star-Bulletin. Call 529-4747, fax 529-4750 or write to Erika Engle, Honolulu Star-Bulletin, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., No. 7-210, Honolulu, HI 96813. She can also be reached at:
eengle@starbulletin.com