‘No surprises’: Paid parking lot operators on Hawai‘i Island will be required to post rates

After a bill to cap paid parking in the Historic Kailua Village failed to move forward, Hawai‘i County Council Member Rebecca Villegas is addressing what she describes as predatory practices in other ways.

On Wednesday, the Hawai‘i County Council unanimously passed an ordinance that requires operators of paid parking lots to clearly post their rates.

Villegas said most lots currently don’t have prices posted. Those lots, operated primarily by Parklinq and Diamond Parking, have directions on how to pay for parking with a QR code, but no hourly prices.

During the meeting, Villegas thanked the council for their support of Bill 162.

Villegas said she was “heartbroken” by how empty the parking lots at Kona shopping centers were during the Fourth of July parade.

“The village continues to suffer and struggle for a myriad of reasons, but the predatory parking practices have contributed greatly to that,” Villegas said.

Villegas first introduced Bill 132 in March after working with the community and business owners in downtown Kona to address the paid parking rates that they say have impacted the foot traffic and their businesses on Ali‘i Drive.

Parking rates range from $9 to $21 an hour, although some lots offer free time or discounted prices for residents.

“It’s a small step in the right direction that requires them to post their rates so people can make the decision when going into a lot based on what’s posted there, and no surprises,” Villegas said.

The posted parking rates will help to ensure that the public has more equitable access to local
businesses, community events, cultural gatherings, and recreational activities, according to the bill.

The bill requires each entrance of any paid parking facility to post a schedule of rates charged, additional fees, hours of operation and towing charges along with contact information for the towing company.

Hawai‘i County Council Member Ashley Kierkiewicz publicly recognized Villegas for her years of advocating to address the parking situation in downtown Kona and for finding a solution.

“I know this is not the outcome that you were looking for, and you say that it’s a small step, but it’s a step in the right direction nonetheless,” she said.

Villegas, along with Council Member Holeka Inaba, drafted Bill 154, which currently is before Hawai‘i County’s Leeward Planning Commission. The legislation would prohibit the creation of any future paid parking lots in the county.

“I’m disappointed I couldn’t do more for the community because I’m watching the village continue to struggle and suffer,” Villegas said. “I’m hopeful that owners of lots will reconsider their price points and long-term (viability) of the village over their short-term profits.”