Kona, Hawaiʻi – The County of Hawaiʻi Department of Public Works (DPW) is now accepting applications for special activity permits, allowing temporary roadside vending in a newly designated area along Ane Keohokālole Highway in Kona.
This initiative follows the County Council’s passing of Bill 184 in October 2024, which created a framework for vendors and small businesses to conduct temporary commercial activities, such such as selling goods or providing services, at designated County street locations for up to one year. In March 2025, the County Council specifically designated the makai side of Ane Keohokālole Highway, between the West Hawaiʻi Civic Center and the “Allied Quarry” access road, as the first authorized area under this new permitting system (County Code Section 22-3.3.2).
To engage in roadside commercial activities at this location, vendors must obtain the special activities permit and adhere to its requirements. Applicants are required to provide:
- Details of the proposed commercial activity.
- Proof of a valid business license or permit necessary for conducting commercial activities in the State of Hawaiʻi.
- A plan for managing waste generated by the commercial activity.
- A certificate of insurance.
- An agreement to hold the County harmless from any claims resulting from the permitted activity.
The Special Activity Permit Application is available for download as a fillable form on the DPW Engineering Division’s website.
For more information on the legislative framework behind this program, interested parties can refer to Bill 184, which is available on the County Council website.