Enlarging Kailua-Kona's parking area is on the agenda for the county.
In the heart of Kailua Village, a parking lot expansion project is underway, scheduled to be completed by 2026. The Department of Public Works has declared the project exempt from an environmental assessment.
The parking lot, situated between Kuakini Highway and Likana Lane, is currently in the design phase. Hawaii County is overseeing the project, with no publicly disclosed details about the cost or the name of the project lead.
Ross Wilson, executive director for the Kailua Village Business Improvement District, has shared that most of the available parking in Historic Kailua Village is in private lots with fees. He believes that the expansion will alleviate the strain during peak hours by adding 23 new free parking stalls.
However, no information has been provided regarding the expected impact on traffic or local businesses. Tom Callis, the spokesman for the mayor's office, has remained silent on this matter.
An archaeological inventory survey was reviewed and approved by the State Historic Preservation Division for the project. Yet, no new information has been provided about any potential environmental concerns related to the expansion.
Construction for the expansion is expected to begin in the second or third quarter of 2026. The public awaits further details about this development in Kailua Village.
