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coalition, said private operators now charge ‘‘up to $25 an hour’’ at some lots and that inconsistent rates and outdated signage create confusion for residents and visitors.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 never go downtown anymore,’’ because it costs too much to park. Frank Even, who identified himself as a Waikoloa Village resident, called paid parking ‘‘a blight on our communities.’’

Bruce Paraca, president of the 365 Hawaii Island Community Fund, proposed that the county regulate private lots by requiring licensing or registration, clear posting of hourly rates, and compliance with disabled parking reciprocity provisions under state law. Paraca said a proposed chapter (a ‘‘chapter 6 paid parking lots’’ concept in his draft) would require lot operators to post hourly fees, conform signage to county standards and participate in a stakeholder-led "Smart Park" program to design equitable local rules for employees, patrons and kamaaina.

Planning Director Jeff Darrow told council members many private lots likely did not come through plan-approval processes and that most are in the special management area; he offered to review tax-map keys (TMKs) and enforcement history. In an initial legal view given at the meeting, corporation counsel said the county likely has authority to regulate private parking through the county code and could enable reduced rates for kamaaina if the council established a public-benefit basis.

Department of Public Works deputy Neil Azzavito said the county would resurface and re-evaluate the county'owned parking lot near the King Kamehameha Hotel and look for small changes to increase stalls and ensure ADA compliance. Deputy Managing Director Merrick Nishimoto said the administration is discussing potential transit and shuttle options to provide alternatives to driving into the Village.

Council member Aupuni Villegas, who represents the district, said she will meet with corporation counsel to review the Kailua Village Business Improvement District ordinance to determine whether it contains standards that could limit private paid parking or increase accountability for property owners. At community meetings, Villegas said, residents cited a comfort level near $3.50 an hour for locals; presenters and council members said the correct cap could vary and should be considered through stakeholder discussion.

The committee voted to close the file on communication 84 after the presentation. The motion to close the file was made by Council member Villegas and seconded by Council member Kimball; the motion passed with eight ayes and two members excused.

The presenters provided the council with maps, a table of lots and a petition they said contains signatures of more than 500 residents; the group offered to work with the county on an ordinance and on a Smart Park collaborative process.

Why it matters: Presenters said the cost and unpredictability of parking is altering where residents and visitors shop and recreate in downtown Kona, and they urged the council and administration to consider regulatory and operational changes to preserve access and support small businesses.