The County of Hawaiʻi Planning Department initiated the Kona Open Space Network (KOSN) Plan project, with Jacobs Engineering Group as the primary consulting firm. The KOSN represents a community-driven objective of the Kona Community Development Plan, aiming to establish connections between public open spaces, parks, neighborhoods, and historic sites. This plan seeks to maintain green drainage and flood control areas while preserving trees for shade and carbon absorption. Additionally, it intends to develop a network of pedestrian and bicycle trails on and off-road to encourage healthy and active lifestyles.

The Kona Community Development Plan Action Committee, along with its KOSN sub-committee, is credited for guiding the progress of this project over the years. Since 2015, the KOSN sub-committee has delineated the plan's visions and goals and contributed to shaping the project's scope.

On August 29, 2023, the KOSN sub-committee and the Planning Department jointly hosted an open house event at the Makaʻeo County Pavilion located at the Old Kona Airport. The event took place from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm and featured a presentation highlighting the project's history, scope, upcoming stages, and examples of successful open space networks. The community is warmly invited to participate and gain insights into the project's details and opportunities to engage in the planning process. All are encouraged to visit the temporary website: https://rb.gy/362c4

Click here to watch the Nā Leo TV broadcast of the KOSN Open House