Longs to open 24-hour
prescription service
Its Pali Highway drugstore
By Rod Ohira
starts the service on May 9
Star-BulletinHawaii's largest chain drugstore, in an unprecedented move here, will offer around-the-clock prescription service at one of its prime locations. Starting May 9, Longs Drugs will keep its Pali Highway branch in Nuuanu open 24 hours a day.
"During nonpeak traffic hours, the store is within a 30-minute drive from Hawaii Kai, Windward Oahu and Waipahu," said Gerald Saito, senior vice president/district manager of Longs Drugs.
"It is also centrally located near all the major hospitals, so we feel this allows us to extend service by making it more convenient for people," he said.
Wal-Mart stores in Mililani and Waipahu are open 24 hours, but neither offers prescription service. Wal-Mart, however, reportedly is looking at adding an around-the-clock pharmacy.
Regular late-night shoppers at the 24-hour Safeway next door were pleased to learn that Pali Longs will remain open around the clock.
"I work 12-hour days, so I think it's great to have anything open 24 hours, whether it's an ATM or Safeway," said David Wallace of Liliha, a lighting technician now working on the television pilot "Soulmates."
Ramon Reyes of Liliha said, "A lot of people have to take time off from work late in the afternoon to pick up prescriptions. I would rather pick it up late at night -- it's more convenient for me."
Saito said, "We're adding security to provide a safe shopping environment and will try to improve the lighting in the area." Of Longs' 32 Hawaii stores, 22 are on Oahu. Right now, there are no plans to convert any other stores to 24-hour operations, he said.
About a dozen employees were added to Pali Longs staff so the store could launch the new hours.
"I think we all feel positive about it," Saito said. "The most important thing is to provide the highest service to our customers."
