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I wanted to wait until I went to the lunch wagon to eat to get the straight scoop.
The building they are going to use is the old KFC.The restrooms were already there so they just had a permit for minor remodeling.The problem came up because they applied for a liquor license.The state health dept. requires urinals in establishments that serve liquor.
They applied for a permit to install the urinal and now they are caught up in typical Hawaii permit hell.It's somewhere between county building,the liquor control people and the health dept.The carrier pigeon carrying the papers probably got lost.
They don't want to open because most of the profit is in liquor.
The lunch wagon food is great, they are in the old parking lot.
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now they are caught up in typical Hawaii permit hell
Meanwhile, County and State complain about the lack of revenue.
To say nothing about how they're treating a long-time local institution who lost their landmark location...
This very thread dates to 5/12/2017. I wonder if the new location will open before it's been a year? If I recall correctly, Lucy's was able to open in less than two months.
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Was not impressed with Luquin's lunch wagon, waiting to try the restaurant in the hopes it has better food (never went before the fire). Lucy's Taqueria is the best I've tried so far, but why do I always think of them on a Tuesday?!
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Lucy's over Luquins? Um, no. Just stop it. Lucys is CATB - cut above Taco bell.
I got excited when I saw the subject line at the top of the punatalk comments. I thought finally! Only to find that this is now a discussion on permitting urinals. Granted, it is related to the (non) reopening of Luquins. Hopefully it opens soon.
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Lucy's over Luquins?
For permit issuance, not the food.
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I wish Sal well and hope his new restaurant is a success. Not sure the old KFC is the best location though. The new Puna Kai Shopping Center would be better.
http://www.punakaihawaii.com/
Hopefully he’ll use this reopening to rebrand Luquin’s with better ingredients, better service and a cleaner restaurant. My experience eating at Luquin’s has never been good and my wife and I and extended family here have avoided it for years but will give him another chance when he opens a new restaurant.
I did try the food truck out of sympathy after the fire and that only reconfirmed how bad Luquin’s food is. Sorry Sal.
It’s very hard to find really good Mexican food anywhere on this island. The best we’ve found so far is the Big Island Brewhaus in Waimea.
http://bigislandbrewhaus.com/
I’m more excited about other new restaurants coming to Pahoa at Puna Kai...
Umekes Fishmarket Bar And Grill:
http://umekesfishmarketbarandgrill.com/
Under the Bodhi Tree:
https://www.underthebodhi.net/
Tired of having to drive to Hilo for
everything including a decent restaurant!
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The new Puna Kai Shopping Center would be better.
...and it might even be open before permits are issued for the old KFC.
It’s very hard to find really good Mexican food anywhere on this island.
"Good" is subjective. I like Lucy's for the tacos, and the margaritas, and the fact that they're actually open for business, even if it does mean driving to Hilo.
other new restaurants coming to Pahoa at Puna Kai...
In theory, yes. In practice, drive time to Pahoa or Hilo is the same, but Hilo has more stuff; if I don't want anything more than food, Kurtistown is almost as good (from the menu, not the steam table) and saves an hour's driving.
Maybe we'll get more nearby options in another couple of decades when Shipman's New Keaau happens.
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The KFC locale is going to be Interim Luquins, or roadside Luquins. Anyone who knows Sal will tell you that his plan is to rebuild the original location and theater. With the onslaught of traffic to the new shopping center, the KFC location will be gold...whether he chooses to stay or flip it to another restaurant owner. Can't beat being right off the highway...with an oncoming stoplight and traffic improvements. Location Location Location!
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The new Puna Kai Shopping Center would be better.
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The rents are insanely high. Kaleo's has backed out.
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The rents are insanely high.
Almost as if tenants were being gouged due to an extreme shortage of C-zoned real estate.
