Saying aloha: Siam Imports to shutter as neighborhood transforms

Yahoo

19-04-2025

HONOLULU (KHON2) — A Moiliili institution is preparing to say goodbye after nearly three decades of serving the community.
The small shop's closure is just part of the big changes sweeping through the neighborhood in the coming months.
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For 28 years, Siam Imports was more than just a store. It was a journey across continents, tucked inside a small shop in the heart of Moiliili.
'It's been a privilege to connect the small businesses in Thailand with the Hawaii customers,' said Kevin Costello, owner of Siam Imports.
Costello first went to Thailand in 1988 and originally started as a wholesale business. He found the perfect spot for a store at Kuni Square on South King Street in 1997 and found a niche with his handmade products from India, Nepal and Thailand that couldn't be found anywhere else on the island.'The jewelry, the incense, the little gift items like these little purses, and little boxes, its just a super cool place,' said Donna Bender, who has been shopping at Siam Imports since it opened. 'So many of us are going to miss this place. We love it.'
'I was so sad. because he has such great products from around the world,' said Kathleen Talamantes, who lives on the mainland, but said she shops at the store every time she's in Hawaii. 'And just being here. [Costello] is part of Hawaii and that's a good thing.'
Siam Imports will close its doors for good at the end of June. Not by choice, but circumstance.
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'It's not so easy to find a good location that's comparable the rents are double, triple,' Costello said.
Central Pacific Bank bought the property and gave businesses two years' notice. In a statement, CPB said it 'is working on a redevelopment project for the new Moiliili Branch that will enhance the area for the community.' They said the bank plans include public conference rooms and a meeting space where customers can host events.
Right next door to Siam Imports is another local business saying farewell. After more than 28 years, Le Flowers is closing their doors at the end of May.
'I'm trying to make it a happy event, telling everybody this is just a new opportunity for us,' said Candice Le, owner of Le Flowers. 'We couldn't have asked for a better neighborhood, better place, better location. To the vendors, thank you to them.'
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More change is found just across the street. Kamehameha Schools redevelopment is already reshaping the landscape, with some wondering what's being left behind.
'It's like the end of an era,' Bender said.
'We kinda knew this place was a one story area, so we kinda had a feeling they were gonna do something,' Le said.
Construction on the bank is expected to begin this summer. CPB said they're open to working with tenants on transitional plans. But Le Flowers said they plan to retire.
As for Siam Imports, Costello says he's not sure what's next for him, and gets a little emotional thinking about it.
'The last month or so has been kind difficult,' Costello said, stopping to hold back tears.
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