Alolan forms of Kanto Pokémon are coming to Pokémon GO!

Apparently so, but at the time of my post we did not know that

I wish I could evolve my saved up hat Pikachu into Alolan Raichu but apparently it may not be ever possible.

The cool part is that the parallel (non-branched) forms use the same base species Candy as the Kantonian forms. This is handy as I could immediately evolve the Alolan Meowth I hatched with Meowth Candy I've been saving up since long ago, and Alolan Golem which is supposed to be useful as both Rock and Electric attacker will also be easy to evole with Geodude Candy I've been saving up.

Ninetales and Muk I might need some more Candy for, though.