AI-generated illustration; not a photograph of the reported event.
- calendar_today November 13, 2026
County Council Approves Transit Hub Project
The Hawaii County Council has approved plans to build a new multimodal transit hub and park-and-ride facility in downtown Kailua-Kona. The Council voted 8-0 in favor of Bill 201 last Friday, authorizing the purchase of a 3.15-acre parcel currently used as a parking lot. This decision marks a significant development for public transportation infrastructure in the area.
Property Purchase and Funding Details
The approved property is located in the heart of Kailua-Kona and is owned by Lanihau Properties. At present, it is leased to the adjacent Tony Honda Kona car dealership and has an assessed value of $3.39 million. The entrance to the future transit facility will be on Kuakini Highway. The Council voted for the sale of $5 million in general obligation bonds to finance both the property purchase and the initial stages of development.
Plan for New Transit Facility
The proposed multimodal transit hub is set to replace the current park-and-ride on Loloku Street, located behind the Kailua-Kona Target store. According to Mass Transit Administrator Zachary Bergum, the existing location has been temporary and lacks basic amenities, including benches, shade, and lighting. The new site aims to provide increased safety and operational effectiveness for Hele-On bus operations on the Kona side of the island.
Facility Features and Construction Phases
The construction of the new transit hub will proceed in two phases. In the first phase, the site will include 94 parking stalls, with the possibility of adding more during the second phase. Planned features include:
- Two bus bays off the street
- A dedicated pad for paratransit vans and drivers
- Charging and layover spaces for electric buses
- Covered bicycle parking
- A bike lane and walkway to Kuakini Highway
- Lighting, security cameras, and a staffed kiosk at the entrance
- Space for training commercial driver’s license and paratransit drivers
These additions aim to support multiple forms of transportation and improve regional connectivity.
Support and Next Steps
No public testimony was recorded during the Council’s vote. Kona Councilwoman Rebecca Villegas, who is finishing her final term, expressed support for the location, citing its value and centrality. Villegas noted that the land has been used for parking during local events and emphasized the community’s longstanding need for improved public transportation facilities in Kona. In addition to the bond sale, the Mass Transit Agency has allocated $500,000 from general excise tax revenues for planning, design, and start-up. The agency also intends to seek future grants to support the project.
Future Outlook for Transportation in Kailua-Kona
Bergum highlighted the importance of establishing a permanent, safe, and functional transit hub, which he said has been needed for some time. The new facility is expected to enhance operational efficiency for the Hele-On system and encourage use of park-and-ride options, potentially reducing road congestion in the area.
Related coverage
Source: westhawaiitoday.com.
