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ANNOTATERD SUGGESTIONS FOR BILL 165: September 5, 2007 Prepazed by Michael Reimer, Kailua-Kona, GeoMikeS@att.net Superstores, additionally known as big box stores, megastores, supercenters, or hypermazkets among other names, require a precise definition for the purposes of zoning classification. Without that, there would be many loopholes created that would make the inning classification rather useless. The City Council of Long Beach California uses 300 words for their definition of superstore and even that could be improved and clarified. This definition is attached as an example of a struggle they had to suit their requirements. There are certain differences such as some merchandise in California is tax exempt, such as medicines. Services (labor) are also not taxed. Bill 165 presents what I consider a start for zoning classification for superstores. I offer with a list some suggestions and thoughts for its improvement. STORE REQUII2EMENTS FOR ZONING CLASSIFICATION To retain the greatest flexibility, no particular item of merchandising should be singled out. For example, groceries should not be a part of the superstore definition. It should only dwell on size of the store, number of items offered for sale, and an indication that the items cross categorical boundaries. Typically, superstores aze defined from 50,000 to 200,000 squaze feet. In this case, groceries, in what seems to be of prime concern to the Council, would still be controlled if sold in amulti-product superstore and, in fact, a large grocery store would also fall under the superstore definition. Thus, if a large grocery wanted to open in Hawaii, such as Albertsons or A&P, it would most likely fall under the zoning review of superstore definition. If it is large grocery stores that are to be targeted with this rezoning then make it specific to grocery stores. If it is all superstores that sell some groceries, then the definition is easier to not focus on part of the retail commodities. For example, there aze stores that specialize in home entertainment items. Circuit City, Fry's, Sound Track are examples. Furniture stores are additional examples of stores that have large square footage requirements. Bookstores such as Barnes and Nobel and Borders are further examples. These stores are known as category killers. The definition of superstore can include those that aze clubs requiting membership, This should be included in the definitions of superstore. The definition should clarify whether malls or markets come under the definition of superstore. For example, the new Queens shops have 70 merchants and as there is only one lessor, could be technically classified as superstore. Generally, it should be even though the individual shops are 2