New Longs Drugs Brings Jobs To Hauula

The Koolauloa community has become the home to Hawaii’s 52nd Longs Drugs store, opening June 30 in Hauula Kai Center on Kamehameha Highway.

Operated by CVS Caremark Corp. under the locally familiar Longs label, the 26,500-square-foot store employs 50 full- and part-time workers, according to company officials, and is intended to fill a void between Laie and Kaaawa, following the departure of Pay’n Save Drugs some years ago.

The pharmacy will be open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Residents recently raised concerns about its liquor license and possible competition with the nearby community wellness center, but apparently they now are welcoming the business as a means to revitalize the area and the shopping center, which is anchored by Tamura’s Market.

CVS Caremark purchased Longs and its Hawaii stores in 2008. Hauula Kai Center is owned by Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Foundation.