I love Kailua, a beautiful enclave located on Oahu, Hawaii. We have lived through many changes here, most of which include a busier town with more traffic and higher prices.  We used to have a distinctively laid-back lifestyle. The construction of a Chick-Fil-A restaurant in the heart of our town threatens to worsen our traffic, an unacceptable impact to our little town. As a resident of 54 years, I'm deeply concerned about the ramifications this development could have on our community, particularly the negative impact it will have on traffic congestion.

Our town is already grappling with significant traffic issues, especially during peak hours, where a simple drive through our little town can turn into a 30 min ordeal. The addition of a high-traffic franchise like Chick-Fil-A, known for drawing large crowds throughout the day, will only exacerbate this problem. Increased traffic not only affects daily commutes but also leads to environmental concerns, with heightened pollution levels and noise, smothering the serene life we are known for.

Moreover, the establishment of a fast-food chain in Kailua contradicts the essence of our community which prioritizes supporting local businesses that enrich our economy and culture. This building project threatens the unique character that defines our town and hinders our efforts to sustain a vibrant local business scene. 

There are countless examples available from other towns like Newport Beach, CA, and Plano, TX, which experienced severe traffic and community disruption after similar establishments were built. The Chick-Fil-A on Beretania has cause significant access issues for their neighbor, the Queen Victoria Residences. In these cases, local traffic grids were put under tremendous strain, with longer wait times and more frequent accidents. We must learn from these precedents and halt this project before it becomes our reality.

Our vision for Kailua is a sustainable community, focused on the well-being of its residents and the preservation of our natural beauty. Instead of welcoming large corporations that prioritize profits over the needs of the community, we should be investing in solutions that enhance the quality of life for everyone in Kailua. There is no need for an eatery of this size in our town. The negative impacts far outweigh any positives that would be realized. 

I urge the city planners and developers to reconsider this project and explore alternative approaches that align better with our community’s values. We need your support to ensure this decision reflects the best interests of Kailua. Please sign this petition to preserve the integrity and quality of life in our beloved town.