Kailua-Kona HI – A new pilot project aimed at alleviating parking woes in Kailua Village will launch on Thursday, May 1st, transforming a section of Aliʻi Drive into a one-way street. The project seeks to add 46 much-needed free parking stalls between Kailua Pier and Hualālai Road.
The initiative will operate as a trial period for up to 90 days. If deemed successful,l the County Council will be approached for approval to make the new traffic pattern permanent.
“This pilot project grew out of community concerns over the lack of affordable parking in Kailua Village,” said County of Hawaiʻi Mayor Kimo Alameda. “By providing free parking along Aliʻi Drive, we can create a more vibrant and accessible community for our residents and businesses. Throughout the project, we will be assessing the success of the new traffic pattern, and we appreciate the community’s patience during this trial period.”
The one-way traffic flow will be implemented upon completion of striping by the Department of Public Works (DPW). New signage will guide drivers through the altered route.
DPW will actively monitor traffic flow and make adjustments as needed, including synchronizing traffic lights to minimize any disruptions.
“Our road crews will be watching the lights so that we can make any necessary adjustments,” said Neil Azevedo, acting Public Works Director. “In addition to adding parking downtown, our goal is to address any impacts to traffic on the side streets and roads.”
Traffic will move in a southbound direction with a combination of angled and parallel parking stalls on the mauka side. The angled parking stalls will require drivers to reverse in a maneuver designed to enhance safety by providing improved visibility when exiting. Drivers are advised to signal their intention to park, drive past the stall stop, and then reverse in at a 45-degree angle.