The County of Hawaiʻi Planning Department invites community members to an event presenting the final Kona Open Space Network (KOSN) Conceptual Plan from 4-6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4 at the Makaeo County Pavilion (Old Airport), 75-5500 Kuakini Highway in Kailua-Kona.

Initiated by the Kona Community Development Plan, the KOSN Conceptual Plan seeks to connect and preserve public open spaces by linking corridors such as trails, bike paths, shorelines, and roadways that support multimodal access. The final plan provides recommendations for implementation, including partnership development, management strategies, and funding opportunities.

“The Kona Open Space Network Conceptual Plan was shaped by the community and reflects our shared commitment to preserving and connecting public spaces,” said Mayor Kimo Alameda. “We invite residents to join us in celebrating this effort and talk story with the project team.”

The event will begin with a presentation by the Planning Department, consultants, and members of the KOSN Subcommittee, highlighting the final conceptual plan and projects identified for programming and implementation to strengthen the network’s hubs and links.

The event will also feature food and drinks and participation from community partners including the Pālamanui Dry Forest team, the County’s Office of Sustainability, Climate, Equity, and Resilience (OSCER), and the Kona Outdoor Circle. OSCER will be featuring a pop-up plant adoption, with a limited amount of free native and canoe plants available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Community members are encouraged to explore the KOSN StoryMap for additional details and background information. The StoryMap reflects the current baseline, and updates from the last engagement will be presented at the event and posted online soon.

For more information, email kosn@hawaiicounty.gov.