The Kauai Planning Commission has approved a new 23,200-square-foot Longs Drug store in Kapaa following a marathon meeting and heated opposition, the Kauai Garden Island newspaper reported today.

The council unanimously approved a request by CVS Longs Drug after a 13-hour meeting Tuesday despite opposition from local residents, visitors and owners of the Plantation condominium, located 75 feet from the new retail store and pharmacy. Concerns dealt with traffic and visual impacts, noise, increased crime and flooding and potential zoning problems.

The new store in Waipouli coconut grove will have the only drive-through pharmacy on Kauai, 97 parking stalls and will be open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

It will replace the current store, which is located at Kauai Village shopping center.