Renewed hope to save Seattle's Hawaii General Store

There may be new hope to keep Wallingford's Hawaii General Store open after all. For nearly three decades, the shop has been a go-to spot for leis, gifts, and island memories. With a closing date approaching, Fox 13's Dan Griffin has learned prospective buyers are stepping up with interest in saving the store. There's so much love for this Hawaii General Store here in Wallingford. It's set to close at the end of the month. There's nothing like it in the city, but there might just be an opportunity to save it. I know there must be someone out there who really wants to be the next kahu, the next caretaker of the store. Gail Stringer has cared for this shop and its customers for 28 years. This place was really created by artists. My dad was an architect and an artist in Hawai'ian. He painted the Ko'olau Mountains on the back wall, and we've done a lot of things to create this space. Raised in Hawaii, she built a place for memories. For getting leis, or planning a trip, or they were going to bring their granddaughter in to pick out an ukulele. From longtime regulars... Oh, I love poor! Everybody loved it. To first-time visitors. It's crazy how... You can really see that it was a lot of passion went into this place. Saying goodbye is tough as she looks to embark on a new journey. Our customers have made this place. My employees over the years, they've all been like family. The lays, the ukuleles, the sweet treats. She knows it's worth saving and it appears she's not alone. They're about... Three or four families who've stepped up now. While it's still early, that means a new generation may carry the legacy on. It gives me so much hope. Keeping Aloha right down the street. I have hope that, you know, when graduation rolls around next year, people will have the place to get their leis. When people need their crack seed, it'll be here. Right now, there's a sign outside of the store reading closing sale until November 23rd. But will that truly be the end? We'll just have to wait and see. Reporting in Wallingford, Dan Griffin, Fox 13 News.