A key cornerstone of plans to develop the Kona community has finally been put down on paper and community members are invited to weigh in with their opinions and input.
Hawaiʻi County will present its Kona Open Space Network Draft Conceptual Plan during a community walk-through and talk story event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 28 at the pavilion of Building G at the West Hawaiʻi Civic Center, located at 74-5044 Ane Keohokālole Highway, in Kailua-Kona.
Courtesy Image: From interactive StoryMap website for Kona Open Space Network Draft Conceptual Plan
This project — which was initiated by the Kona Community Development Plan — aims to connect and preserve public open spaces by linking corridors such as trails, bike paths, shorelines and roadways that support multimodal access.
Community members will have an opportunity during the walk-through and talk story event to view the plan and orient themselves in relation to proposed hubs and links so they can visualize the effects of the Kona Open Space Network on their specific communities.
Community feedback received during the meetings will then be shared on a project website, where community members will have additional opportunity to provide input on the open space network plan and feedback received.
“By establishing an open space network, we can enhance recreational opportunities for our residents while protecting natural and historical resources,” Hawaiʻi County Mayor Kimo Alameda said in an announcement about the upcoming event and release of the plan.
The project covers mapping of existing and planned future hubs and links. Furthermore, it seeks to develop recommendations for implementing the open space network, including establishing key partnerships for overall management and identifying funding opportunities.
County officials said the open space network plan was truly shaped by the people of Kona.
“What began as a concept in the Kona Community Development Plan has grown into fruition with the guidance of the Kona Open Space Network Subcommittee and community partners, who rolled up their sleeves and helped guide the process,” Hawaiʻi County Planning Director Jeff Darrow said in the county’s annoucement. “We’re excited to share the draft plan at the open house and continue working hand-in-hand with the community to bring it to life.”
Community members are encouraged to view the draft conceptual plan by exploring an interactive online StoryMap ahead of the community event.
“The Kona Open Space Network is a shining example of what can happen when community members come together with a shared vision,” Darrow added.
Email to kosn@hawaiicounty.gov for additional information.
“I’d like to thank the Kona Community Development Plan Action Committee and the Kona Open Space Network Subcommittee for their leadership in moving this community-initiated effort forward,” Alameda said.