Kailua-Kona may be getting a few more free public parking spaces thanks to state land being offered to the county.
The Hawaii County Council Committee on Legislative Approvals and Acquisitions on Tuesday passed resolution 442 authorizing the acceptance of a quitclaim of a “remnant road reserve” from the state Board of Land and Natural Resources.
The 1,794-square-foot parcel is located just makai of the county parking lot on Kuakini Highway, on the west side of Likana Lane, currently marked as private parking. The deeding of the land to the county will add 14 stalls of free public parking.
The county will maintain full and clear ownership over the parcel, with the Department of Public Works overseeing the lot.
Public Works Director Steve Pause said since the stalls are already there, once the transaction is complete, the only thing that would need to be changed is signage.
“I don’t think much will change for the public,” he said.
Councilman Holeka Inaba introduced the resolution addressing the shortage of parking in the village.
“I look forward to the passage of Resolution 442,” said Inaba. “Its passage will add 14 much-needed free parking stalls in Kailua Village near the free county parking lot. While it does not sufficiently address the overall free parking shortage in Kailua, it will provide some relief for our kama‘aina to access the Alii Drive area.”
Free parking in Kailua Village has rapidly disappeared in the past two years. Two lots located off Hualalai Road, one across the street from Hale Halawai at the farmers market and one behind the old Uncle Billy’s Kona Bay Hotel, transitioned from free to paid parking in October 2022. Parking at Coconut Grove Marketplace also became paid last September.
Both of those lots are managed by PARKLINQ along with street parking fronting the Kona Inn, behind Hanama Place and at the Kona Seaside Shops. All of the lots managed by PARKLINQ are on private property, and although once free, are now subject to parking fees ranging from $9 to $17.50 per hour, depending on the date and time.
Resolution 442 is next headed to the full council, with passage allowing the county to accept the land from the state.