Center raising Kailua's profile
By Eloise Aguiar
Advertiser Windward O'ahu Writer
KAILUA — Since it opened in October, the Kailua Chamber of Commerce information center has seen an increase in walk-in visitors, many of whom want to live in the community.
Eugene Tanner • The Honolulu Advertiser
Last month, more than 400 tourists, residents and potential residents visited the center, up from 240 in the first months of operation.
Bill Muench, left, one of the volunteers who staffs the Kailua Chamber of Commerce Information Center, points out bus stops to Greg Palmer, visiting from England. The office, open since October, has seen a huge growth in walk-in visitors.
University professors, contractors, military people, defense workers and tourists are asking about schools, housing, sightseeing, canoe clubs and Lanikai Beach, said Pohai Ryan, the chamber's executive director.
"What we're seeing now is a big influx of American tourists," said Ryan, a shift from when the center opened and Europeans were the main visitors.
"And there are a lot of people moving to Kailua. Every week we have people looking for a place to rent long term and buy. Kailua is a hot spot for rentals and purchases."
People looking for information can call the Kailua chamber or visit the Kailua Chamber of Commerce Web site.
The 410-square-foot center is almost too small to handle all the walk-ins, Ryan said. Last week, the chamber had to make adjustments.
"We had to take the plants out because we couldn't fit the people in here," she said. "We'll have three or four groups and the volunteers (who serve as the center's staff) sometimes."
Ryan credits street signs installed by the city that direct people to the center, at the mauka end of Kailua Shopping Center. There's also an advertisement in Drive Guide, which is distributed by car rental companies.
The center often refers visitors to city, state and private organizations for questions on such things as schools and traffic problems. For sightseeing, the center sticks with well-established destinations and tries to steer people away from Lanikai Beach, Ryan said.
"We do not recommend they go there, because there are no lifeguards, no bathroom facilities and no parking."
The center got its start with a $20,000 grant from the city, but the chamber wants to make the facility self-sufficient, said Molly Mosher-Cates, chamber president.
One way would be to charge businesses $250 a year to display their brochures at the center, Mosher-Cates said.
"People are coming into the center looking at the walls, looking at the pictures and taking the brochures," she said.
"I think the information center is just another way to be out there, and it is helping businesses in Kailua," Mosher-Cates said.
Reach Eloise Aguiar at eaguiar@honoluluadvertiser.com or 234-5266.
