Many businesses say since the closure nearly a week ago they’ve seen sales drop significantly. Some businesses say to stay afloat, they’ve had to cut employee hours, bake less products and offer special deals just to try and get customers in the door.
Its been nearly a week since the Karsten Thot bridge closed in Wahiawa for repairs.
Dots, a popular restaurant in Wahiawa is usually busy on the weekends, but not this weekend.
"You know if they know its going to take half an hour to get to the restaurant and they only have a half hour to eat they won’t make it yeah, its impacted us quite a bit," says Jim Harada, Dots Wahiawa general manager.
Harada says they’ve seen somewhere between a thirty and forty percent drop in sales, and they’ve also had to cut employee hours.
"We come with the same crew and if the business is slow than of course they get relieved an hour or so earlier than normal," says Harada.
And, the story is the same for Lum’s Inn down the street.
"They keep seeing on the news that the traffic is so bad that they’re just scared to come out they don’t want to get stuck in it its been hard," says Lisa Souza, Lum’s Inn owner.
Souza who owns Lum’s Inn with her husband says they’ve been trying to think of ways to get more customers through the door.
"We have a facebook page and we’ve actually said please come in and we’ll give you a free medium soda with a purchase of a plate lunch," says Souza.
Kilani bakery that’s been in Wahiawa for more than five decades is used to seeing a lot of customers, but because of the bridge closure they’ve had to cut back on baking their goods.
"We cut back maybe around twenty-four thirty dozen its quite a big number considering we’re such a small business," says Gavin Takara, Kilani bakery owner’s son and baker.
Overall, many businesses say they understand repairs need to be made, but they just hope they can stay in business during the bridge closure.
"All we can really do is cross our fingers and try and get more promotions out there its tough its really hard," says Souza.
"It’s a temporary closure so I’m quite sure when this is over and two lanes are open and the bridge is fully functional we’ll regain our loyal customers that we’ve had in the past," says Harada.
Work on the Karsten Thot bridge is expected to take another five weeks.
One townbound lane is open from five to nine in the morning during the week.
The bridge is completely closed on the weekends.
See the original article at: KHON2 Local News
