Kona's Aliʻi Drive, a vital artery for tourism and local businesses, will revert to a two-way street after a trial period of one-way traffic. This decision, confirmed by the County of Hawaiʻi, has significant implications for the flow of traffic, parking availability, and the overall experience for visitors and residents alike.
The 90-day trial, which began on May 1st, aimed to address parking issues and improve traffic flow on the bustling Aliʻi Drive Big Island Video News. The initiative included the addition of 46 free parking stalls, a move intended to boost accessibility for businesses and visitors. However, the county has decided to return to the original traffic pattern.
One of the primary motivations behind the one-way trial was to alleviate the chronic parking shortage in the area, particularly along the 0.7-mile stretch from the Courtyard by Marriott to Coconut Grove Marketplace Big Island Now. Prior to the changes, parking fees had risen dramatically, with costs reaching $9 to $15 per hour in many areas. The county stated that they would assess the success of the new traffic pattern throughout the trial period Big Island Video News.
The reversal back to two-way traffic is likely to be welcomed by some businesses. With parking and traffic as a prime issue, business owners and residents may be concerned about ease of access and ability to effectively use the road. The decision underscores the complexities of balancing competing interests in a popular tourist destination, and the county will be monitoring the situation closely.
