Target Corp. is preparing to open its long-awaited Kai­lua store March 4.

The Minneapolis-based retailer has nearly completed construction of the 130,000-square-foot store at 345 Hahani St. after a delay of more than two years, according to a Target spokes­woman.

The Kailua store, originally scheduled to open in July 2012, has met opposition from a vocal group of residents who fear the big-box retailer will change Kai­lua’s small-town charm, bring more people into the quiet neighborhood and cause further traffic congestion.

The company has run into other development delays as well. It was forced to revise plans after an archaeological study discovered unidentified iwi kupuna, or Native Hawaiian skeletal remains.

Target has hired roughly 500 workers combined for the Kai­lua store and another location in Kahu­lui, also opening in March.