12-11-2013, 02:42 PM
There are some things that could make a ig box like Costco/Sams viable, the same ones that were in place a few years ago & will continue to be unique to the east side
When looking at demographics on the east side, it is very easy to overlook the tourist economy...Hilo was THE tourist destination on Hawaii Island for almost a century & still has tremendous draw...& the needs to cater to the tourists.... but one of the very unique things for Hilo that is not as wonderful for shopping at other ports, is Hilo port...very close to Hilo town, on a fairly reliable bus route (every hour) & very quick for workers & supplies to be ordered & loaded...one of the easiest port in state to do all in a very close proximity...
And even though the COUNTY may not allow another big box, most of the current big boxes in county are NOT regulated by county, as they are built on DHHL & other non-county regulated leased land....
not sure IF a major warehouse big box will ever be built on this side, but these are some more things to think about if you are thinking "No WAY"...
When looking at demographics on the east side, it is very easy to overlook the tourist economy...Hilo was THE tourist destination on Hawaii Island for almost a century & still has tremendous draw...& the needs to cater to the tourists.... but one of the very unique things for Hilo that is not as wonderful for shopping at other ports, is Hilo port...very close to Hilo town, on a fairly reliable bus route (every hour) & very quick for workers & supplies to be ordered & loaded...one of the easiest port in state to do all in a very close proximity...
And even though the COUNTY may not allow another big box, most of the current big boxes in county are NOT regulated by county, as they are built on DHHL & other non-county regulated leased land....
not sure IF a major warehouse big box will ever be built on this side, but these are some more things to think about if you are thinking "No WAY"...