The Honolulu business community is poised to lose a significant piece of its history as Smith's Union Bar prepares to close. The bar, located on North Hotel Street in Chinatown, has been a staple in the area for decades, serving as a gathering place for locals, sailors, and history enthusiasts.
Smith's Union Bar's impending closure underscores the shifting dynamics of Honolulu's business landscape. The decision by the landlord not to renew the lease highlights the challenges faced by long-standing businesses in areas experiencing redevelopment and evolving market trends. The bar, known for its historic significance and old-school charm, has been a significant part of the neighborhood's identity. According to a Civil Beat article from 2018, the bar stood as a holdout against the trendy spots popping up in Chinatown.
The bar's deep ties to the community and its unique history, including its connection to the USS Arizona, made it a special place. As a Huffington Post article highlights, Smith's Union was more than just a bar; it was a gathering place where people from all walks of life came together. Its closure will undoubtedly be felt by those who valued its history and the sense of community it fostered. The loss of Smith's Union Bar serves as a reminder of the need to preserve cultural landmarks amidst urban development.
The implications of this closure extend beyond the loss of a business; it represents a potential shift in the character of Chinatown. Entrepreneurs and investors in the area will likely react to this change. The area is experiencing a transformation with new ventures emerging, as was the case when the bar's owner faced a hike in rent. The changing commercial real estate landscape in Honolulu highlights the need for a balance between modernization and the preservation of cultural heritage and the significance of local institutions.
