Learn more about final plan for connecting green spaces in Kona

The final Kona Open Space Network Conceptual Plan will be presented to the public in December.

The Conceptual Plan is a community-initiated goal of the Kona Community Development Plan to connect and preserve public open spaces by linking corridors such as trails, bike paths, shorelines and roadways that support multimodal access, according to a Hawai‘i County press release.

The goal is to retain green areas for drainage/flood control, trees for shade and carbon absorption, and a system of on and off-road pedestrian and bicycle trails that encourage healthy active lifestyles.

The County of Hawaiʻi Planning Department will host a meeting about the plan on Dec. 4 from 4-6 p.m. at the Makaeo County Pavilion at Old Kona Airport Park, 75-5500 Kuakini Highway in Kailua-Kona.

The final plan provides recommendations for implementation, including partnership development, management strategies and funding opportunities.

“The Kona Open Space Network Conceptual Plan was shaped by the community and reflects our shared commitment to preserving and connecting public spaces,” Hawaiʻi County Mayor Kimo Alameda said. “We invite residents to join us in celebrating this effort and talk story with the project team.”

The event will begin with a presentation by the Planning Department, consultants, and members of the Kona Open Space Network Subcommittee, highlighting the final conceptual plan and projects identified for programming and implementation to strengthen the network’s hubs and links.

The event will also feature food and drinks and participation from community partners, including the Pālamanui Dry Forest team, the County’s Office of Sustainability, Climate, Equity, and Resilience and the Kona Outdoor Circle. The county will be featuring a pop-up plant adoption, with a limited amount of free native and canoe plants available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Click here to explore the Kona Open Space Network StoryMap for additional details and background information. The StoryMap reflects the current baseline, and updates from the last engagement will be presented at the event and posted online soon.

For more information, email kosn@hawaiicounty.gov.