HONOLULU (KHON2) — If you shop at Walmart or Sam’s Club on Keeaumoku, you’re probably used to dealing with long lines of cars looking for parking.
Some shoppers say parking is always an issue.
“It’s been really hard to find parking here because there are so many trucks and things here because of the construction across the street. They need to find parking for those people somewhere else,” said Thomas Barber, Walmart shopper.
To deter non-shoppers from taking up space in the lot meant for customers only, Walmart hired Secure Parking Hawaii to begin parking enforcement starting May 1.
In a statement, a Walmart spokesperson said the parking structure is intended for the convenience of their customers and members.
Signs are already up around the parking lot, clearly stating the first three hours of parking are free and noncompliance will result in liquidated damages and towing.
According to posted signs, Secure Parking will enforce parking rules by monitoring license plates using video cameras as cars enter and exit the parking structure.
Walmart said that after a three-hour grace period, it will cost $3 every 30 minutes, coming out to $48 a day.
The company added that anyone with a balance of $50 or more is subject to towing, and shoppers are all for it.
“I think it will free up parking. A lot less people will be parking here and walking to different stores, and I won’t have to spend 30 minutes finding a parking spot, trying to get in and out,” said Ge Song, Walmart shopper.
Area Neighborhood Board Chair Kathleen Lee said it’s the first she’s heard about it.
“I understand from a business owner’s perspective that you can do whatever you want in a parking lot. However, Walmart is such a significant structure in our neighborhood that if they were to do something like start charging, it would be nice to give the neighborhood a heads up,” Lee said.
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Walmart isn’t the first to do this. Ala Moana Shopping Center implemented paid parking for non-customers several years ago.
Secure Parking Hawaii said there will be payment devices at the location to pay parking charges, but those devices are not installed yet.