Public invited to learn more about Kona Open Space Network plan

West Hawai‘i residents are invited to learn about Hawai‘i County’s new community-driven project this week that looks to establish connections between public open spaces, parks, neighborhoods and historic sites.

The Kona Community Development Plan Action Committee and its Kona Open Space Network Plan sub-committee hope to maintain green drainage and flood control areas while preserving trees for shade and carbon absorption. Additionally, the committee intends to develop a network of pedestrian and bicycle trails on and off-road to encourage healthy and active lifestyles.

The public is invited to learn more about the project during a jointly hosted event on Aug. 29 with the sub-committee and the Hawai‘i County Planning Department at the Makaʻeo County Pavilion located at the Old Kona Airport.

The event will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. and feature a presentation highlighting the project’s history, scope, upcoming stages and examples of successful open space networks. Residents are invited to participate and engage in the planning process.

An upcoming project website will also provide further information.

Since 2015, the Kona Open Space Network sub-committee has delineated the plan’s visions and goals and contributed to shaping the project’s scope.