Temporary one-way traffic pattern on Ali‘i Drive will change back to two-way road

A trial run for a one-way traffic pattern on a portion of Ali‘i Drive will end in a couple of weeks.

Hawai‘i County created the one-way road, from Kailua Pier to the Hualālai Road intersection, to add free parking stalls to combat concerns over the extreme parking prices at privately owned lots in the downtown area.

The trial run for the northbound lane started May 1 and was supposed to last 90 days. However, because of the overwhelming feedback from the community opposing this change, the traffic pattern will revert to a two-way road on June 16.

A two-week poll conducted by Big Island Now to get a feel from the community on their thoughts about the new traffic pattern garnered more than 2,700 votes, with respondents primarily opposed to the change.

“We truly appreciate everyone’s patience and input throughout this process,” County Mayor Kimo Alameda said. “The pilot project and insights we gathered have led us to explore new innovative solutions for our community. We are excited to implement these changes to enhance the experience for all.”

While the one-way road adds about 50 free parking stalls to the downtown area, it also has created traffic congestion for motorists traveling north attempting to turn left on Hualālai Road as well as residual backups on Kuakini Highway.

Business owners also expressed concerns about the lack of foot traffic on the northern end of Ali‘i Drive.

The county is determined to address the paid parking issue and is exploring the following changes:

• Reduced Private Parking Fees: Parklinq Corporation has agreed to revise its parking fees to provide more affordable options for users in and around Kailua Village.
• Diagonal Parking Stalls off Kuakini Hwy: Utilizing head-in diagonal parking stalls above Coconut Grove Marketplace, along Kuakini Highway, will help maximize space allowing for upwards of 10 additional vehicles to park in the area.
• Public parking at Hale Hālāwai County Facility: The Hale Hālāwai facility on Aliʻi Drive could offer additional stalls for public use on days and times when they are not reserved for events.
• Potential hotel partnerships: Discussions are ongoing with one or more area hotels to establish partnerships that would offer additional parking opportunities.
• New parking lease opportunities: The County is actively negotiating with a landowner off Aliʻi Drive to lease a parcel that could open an additional 100 new parking stalls.

Council Member for District 7, Rebecca Villegas, said: “I’m grateful for this Administration’s courage, initiative, follow-up, flexibility and willingness to return to the two-way traffic flow. In the process, other potential solutions have presented themselves. That’s a win for our Village and our community.”

Julie Ziemelis from the “Fix Paid Parking in Kona” Group, added: “It’s a vexing issue and we appreciate the fact that the one-way traffic idea was attempted, as it brought thousands of eyeballs to the fact that quick solutions are needed to help save the businesses that have been adversely affected by paid parking.”

She said she was encouraged by the mayor’s efforts to look at our other solutions.

The two-way traffic pattern on a portion of Ali‘i Drive will be reinstated on June 16 after restriping is completed.

The Department of Public Works will install message boards and signs to announce the upcoming change in the traffic pattern on Aliʻi Drive. This will ensure that both residents and visitors are well-informed about the transition.