Walgreens is seeking to open another store on Hawaiian Homestead lands in Nanakuli on Oahu's West side.

    The Deerfield, Ill.-based drugstore chain, which entered the market late last year to compete with Longs Drugs, is negotiating what would be its eighth location in the islands on nearly 12 acres mauka of the old Nanaikapono Elementary School. The site is part of 25 acres owned by the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, which is seeking to provide job opportunities to boost self-sufficiency on the economically depressed Leeward Coast.

“;We're very supportive of our communities' efforts to generate revenue to be self-sufficient and not be dependent upon the ebb and flow of government and politics,”; said Lloyd Yonenaka, spokesman for DHHL, which has the authority to designate zoning on its lands.

“;We're interested in the location and we're reviewing it,”; said Michael Polzin, Walgreens spokesman. “;It's still working its way through our process.”;

Since Walgreens is in the preliminary stages of discussions, the company couldn't disclose details, including size, costs and time frame. Its average store size is about 14,500 square feet.

Nanakuli is home to a Sack N Save, though the nearest drugstore is at least four to seven miles away in Waianae or Kapolei.

“;Instead of always getting correction and homeless facilities, we need to revitalize this community by bringing in such positive businesses,”; said Patty Teruya, chairwoman of the Nanakuli-Maili Neighborhood Board. “;It will probably open doors to allow other businesses to come into this community. I'm for economic development.”;

Nanakuli resident Hanalei Aipoalani, who is the secretary-treasurer for the Nanakuli-Maili Neighborhood Board, said having a nationally branded company like Walgreens in the neighborhood would not only create much-needed jobs, but stimulate the economy, help to ease traffic congestion and increase the time area residents spend with their families.

“;A lot of people may be concerned because they have to compete with long-standing local stores ... but I think in the end it will help to sort of keep costs down for the consumers and offer a broader range of products and services,”; Aipoalani said. “;It's not just job opportunities, but there's also benefits that come with it.”;

While Walgreen Co. is moving forward with its plan to open from 25 to 30 stores throughout Hawaii, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission is investigating whether its $2.8 billion bid to acquire Longs Drug Stores Corp. would hurt competition.

“;This is all very typical. It's a pretty standard review for the FTC,”; Polzin said, adding that the company is prepared to address any issues arising from the FTC probe.

Walgreens opened its first Hawaii store at the former Tower Records site on the corner of Kapiolani Boulevard and Keeaumoku Street in November 2007. It also has secured sites in Kaneohe, Kalihi, Aiea, Lahaina, and most recently - Nuuanu Shopping Plaza and the Price Busters site in Kailua.