Advancement in plans for Kona Open Space Network nears completion
The Kona Open Space Network (KOSN) project, a community-driven initiative aimed at connecting and preserving public open spaces in the Kona region, has reached a significant milestone. The draft conceptual plan for the project has been publicly released by Hawaiʻi County, providing residents with an opportunity to review and offer feedback on the proposed network [1][3][4].
The KOSN project, initiated by the Kona Community Development Plan, seeks to establish a network that links corridors such as trails, bike paths, shorelines, and roadways, all designed to support multimodal access [1][3]. By creating this network, the project aims to enhance recreational opportunities while protecting natural and historical resources.
The draft plan includes mapping of existing and planned future hubs and links across Kona, as well as recommendations for implementing the network [1][3]. The recommendations cover key partnerships for management and the identification of funding opportunities.
The community was invited to review the draft plan during a walk-through and "talk story" event held on June 28, 2025, at the West Hawaiʻi Civic Center. Feedback gathered at this event was incorporated into the draft plan [1][3]. For those unable to attend, the draft conceptual plan can be viewed online via an interactive StoryMap available at https://arcg.is/Ora550 [1][3].
Mayor Kimo Alameda expressed his support for the project, stating that by establishing an open space network, recreational opportunities for residents can be enhanced while protecting natural and historical resources [2]. Planning Director Jeff Darrow called the KOSN "a shining example of what can happen when community members come together with a shared vision" [2].
After the draft conceptual plan release and the June 28 community event, the County will likely move toward finalizing the plan based on public feedback from the event and the online interactive StoryMap. No exact finalization date has been provided yet, but the current phase indicates community involvement and refinement before final approval [1][3].
The project also includes efforts to identify potential funding opportunities to support the implementation and management of KOSN. Partnerships for overall management and funding sources are part of the plan’s recommendations, though specific funding sources are not detailed in the draft release [1][3].
For more information about the Kona Open Space Network project, interested individuals can email [email protected] [5]. The event for the Kona Open Space Network is taking place on Saturday at the West Hawaii Civic Center, Building G and Pavilion from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. [6].
References: [1] Hawaiʻi County Planning Department. (2025). Kona Open Space Network (KOSN) Project. Retrieved from https://www.hawaiicounty.gov/departments/planning-and-permitting-division/planning-division/kona-open-space-network-kosn
[2] KITV4 News. (2025, June 28). Mayor Alameda, County Officials Unveil Draft Plan for Kona Open Space Network. Retrieved from https://www.kitv.com/news/local-news/mayor-alameda-county-officials-unveil-draft-plan-for-kona-open-space-network/
[3] West Hawaii Today. (2025, June 29). Community Invited to Review Draft Plan for Kona Open Space Network. Retrieved from https://westhawaiitoday.com/2025/06/29/community-invited-to-review-draft-plan-for-kona-open-space-network/
[4] Hawaii Public Radio. (2025, June 28). Kona Open Space Network Unveils Draft Plan for Community Feedback. Retrieved from https://www.hawaiipublicradio.org/posts/2025/06/28/kona-open-space-network-unveils-draft-plan-for-community-feedback
[5] Hawaiʻi County Planning Department. (2025). Contact Us. Retrieved from https://www.hawaiicounty.gov/departments/planning-and-permitting-division/planning-division/contact-us
[6] Hawaiʻi County Planning Department. (2025). Kona Open Space Network (KOSN) Community Event. Retrieved from https://www.hawaiicounty.gov/departments/planning-and-permitting-division/planning-division/kona-open-space-network-kosn-community-event
The Kona Open Space Network (KOSN) project aims to connect various public open spaces in Kona, creating a network that includes trails, bike paths, shorelines, and roadways, for a community-led initiative that supports outdoor-living, home-and-garden, and recreational lifestyle. The plan, calculated to protect natural and historical resources, includes proposed hubs and links across the region, as well as recommendations for implementing the network, considering key partnerships and funding opportunities.
