Kona business coalition urges Hawaii County to curb 'predatory' paid parking in Kailua Village

A group of Kona business owners and residents told the Hawaii County Council's Ports and Council Oversight Committee that private paid parking companies have pushed local parking toward ‘‘predatory’’ prices that have reduced local patronage and harmed downtown businesses.

Maria Brosnan Faltas, an attorney with Wayfinder's Law representing a downtown coalition, said private operators now charge ‘‘up to $25 an hour’’ at some lots and that inconsistent rates and outdated signage create confusion for residents and visitors. She urged the county to take action and offered a package of possible solutions, including a municipal ordinance to cap parking rates, a special tax on excessive fees and a resident parking pass program.

The coalition's developer-turned-business-owner presenter, Chris Fried, described steep declines in store traffic after his business moved into downtown Kona. Fried said he has spoken with more than 200 residents and that many tell him, ‘‘I…