Parking solutions coming slowly to Kealakekua Bay

HILO — The County Council’s unanimous approval Tuesday of no-parking zones around Manini Beach marks the beginning of a strategy that supporters hope will bring state assistance with parking for the beach and Kealakekua Bay area.

In the meantime, the parking ban along Manini Beach Road, Kahauloa Road and Kahauloa Street, made permanent by the passage of Bill 107, will enhance public safety by clearing the narrow roads of parked vehicles that limit access to the beach, especially ambulances and other vehicles that need to respond to emergencies.

“It was a collaborative effort by myself, the administration and the community,” the sponsor, South Kona/Ka‘u Councilwoman Maile David, said of the bill.

The bill is likely to be signed by Mayor Billy Kenoi, as he and Public Works Director Warren Lee had submitted a letter asking council’s approval.

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources is working on a master plan for Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park. A public meeting on the draft master plan, originally set for late summer or early fall, has been postponed, likely into the new year, DLNR spokeswoman Deborah Ward said in an email Tuesday.

She said the State Parks Division, along with planning consultant Belt Collins Hawaii held focus group meetings in June to understand the current recreational issues at Kealakekua Bay. Meetings were held with the County of Hawaii, the boating companies who have permits to take visitors to the bay and the Napoopoo community.

The resources studies are largely complete and the cultural impact assessment is underway, she said.

“The alternatives will address a balance between the historic values of Kealakekua and the recreational use of the bay, a management strategy that promotes protection of the resources, development of the needed park facilities — especially parking and restrooms — and an implementation plan that includes funding, staffing and potential concessions,” Ward said.