Neighbors welcome pizzeria

People who united to oust a sex shop
hail the new business

By Mary Adamski
Star-Bulletin

The line formed outside 1111 McCully St. again, but this time it wasn't opponents picketing the Inserection Adult Fantasy Store.

Hundreds of people lined up for free pizza yesterday at the grand opening of the island's sixth Papa John's Pizza store.

One of the first in line was Garrett Hashimoto, chairman of Hawaii Christian Coalition, who said he was there not just for the food but to make a statement of support for a "family friendly" business.

The adult video store which opened a year ago at that location was evicted through court action in March after neighboring churches, area politicians and community members fought it as unsuitable in a residential area.

"This proves that citizens can take back their neighborhoods," said City Councilman Andy Mirikitani.

He presented the new tenants and their landlords with honorary certificates of recognition for "outstanding community service."

Family-oriented businesses "make stronger, safer, more livable communities," he said.

Jeff Jervik and Frank N. Jones, owners of the Hawaii Papa John's Pizza franchise, said their selection of that particular site was mostly serendipitous.

Jervik said they establish the location of pickup and delivery stores with a particular trade area in mind.

"It so happens this is in the center" of a service zone that will include McCully, Moiliili, Makiki and the University of Hawaii.

"We've been so welcomed to this community," Jervik said.

He said they expected to give away about 800 pizzas -- one piece at a time -- yesterday, and had already delivered that same number of free pizzas to neighboring businesses and on the UH campus.