KAILUA-KONA, Hawaii (KHON2) — After a trial period of more than 30 days with one-way traffic on Kona’s Aliʻi Drive, the County of Hawaiʻi will revert the road back to its original two-way traffic pattern, the mayor’s office confirmed.
After receiving feedback on the information, the county said they would simultaneously implement parking solutions across the road while maintaining its original traffic flow.
“We sincerely thank west Hawaiʻi for their invaluable feedback during this Aliʻi Drive pilot project,” Mayor Kimo Alameda said. “Recently, Big Island Now conducted a poll that garnered over 2,700 responses, and it was clear that many favored returning the traffic pattern to its original two-way flow.”
The county has already secured some changes while exploring possible parking aids to implement to help ease the burden of those looking to explore Kona’s local businesses.
The county has already secured reduced private parking fees, with the Parklinq Corporation agreeing to revise the cost of parking for those in and around Kailua Village. Officials are also looking at potentially opening up parking at the Hale Hālāwai County Facility, potential hotel partnerships and more.
“Iʻm grateful for this administration’s courage, initiative, followed up, flexibility and willingness to return to the two-way traffic flow,” said Councilmember Rebecca Villegas. “In the process, other potential solutions have presented themselves. That’s a win for our village and community.”
Julie Ziemelis from the “Fix Paid Parking in Kona” group expressed similar support for the changes, thanking Alameda for listening to the group’s feedback.
Message boards will be installed along Aliʻi Drive to announce the traffic change to inform residents and visitors. Official reinstatement of the two-way traffic will take effect on June 16.