KAPOLEI, Hawaii -- Residents had their first face-to-face discussions on Wednesday night with Target executives who said they have been looking for a site for its first Hawaii store for about three years at the Kapolei Neighborhood Board meeting.

The Target in Kapolei is part of the company's expansion plans where it already has more than 1,500 stores in 47 states.

Unlike the entrance of other big discount stores, it seems Target is getting a much warmer welcome to the islands.

The first Target in Hawaii is expected to be built at the future site of a 20-acre shopping center called Kapolei Commons.

The company, which calls itself an upscale discounter, hopes to be open for business in the first half of 2009.

"We feel this is a great area for us. It's really growing from a population standpoint it really fits with our brand and our guests' demographics and I think the Kapolei Commons site is perfect for us," Target spokeswoman Brie Heath said.

Target executives presented their plans to area residents and addressed what is on their minds, which for the most part is traffic.

One plus for Target is its proposed location. It is at the far end of Kapolei and near the entrance and exit of the freeway.

Environmental impact is another concern, but it appears the overwhelming response to the retailer is a positive one.

"I was really shocked that I did not get one complaint about Target when it hit the news. In fact, I had a number of calls that said 'When are they coming? Can you tell them to hurry?'" Kapolei Neighborhood Board Chairwoman Maeda Timson said.

Sarah Akiona has lived in Makakilo for almost 45 years and considers growth in that part of the island a good thing.

"We need the business, the company. In other words, we need what we need and it's going to be done, and why not? Why not accept it with grace like everything else? I want to have Target," Akiona said.

The company said it expects to provide up to 250 jobs with its new store.

There also may be another Target in the future. The retailer is looking at a site in Salt Lake. Nothing has been finalized for that project.