Aliʻi Drive Parking Pilot Project Starts May 1

Aliʻi Drive Parking Pilot Project Starts May 1

A pilot project that will add 46 free parking stalls by converting Aliʻi Drive into a one-way street between Kailua Pier and Hualālai Road will begin Thursday, May 1.

The project, which will provide much-needed parking in the area, will serve as a trial for up to 90 days; if successful, approval will be sought with the County Council to make the new traffic pattern permanent.

“This pilot project grew out of community concerns over the lack of affordable parking in Kailua Village,” said County of Hawaiʻi Mayor Kimo Alameda. “By providing free parking along Aliʻi Drive, we can create a more vibrant and accessible community for our residents and businesses. Throughout the project, we will be assessing the success of the new traffic pattern, and we appreciate the community’s patience during this trial period.”

The one-way pattern will open following the completion of striping by the Department of Public Works (DPW). New signs will also be added to advise drivers of the changes.

Throughout the project, DPW will also be monitoring traffic in order to make any changes, such as adjusting traffic light synchronization.

“Our road crews will be watching the lights so that we can make any necessary adjustments,” said Neil Azevedo, acting Public Works Director. “In addition to adding parking downtown, our goal is to address any impacts to traffic on the side streets and roads.”

Traffic will move in a south-bound direction, with a mix of angled and parallel parking stalls on the mauka side. Motorists using an angled parking stall will need to reverse in, a method intended to increase safety by providing drivers with a better view of traffic as they exit.

To use the reverse-angle parking, drivers should first use their turn signal to indicate their upcoming movement. Next, they should drive past the parking stall, stop, and then reverse at a 45-degree angle.

View the traffic pattern and parking layout here.

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