HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025_07_15_Hawaii_County_Launches_Permitting_Program_for_Designated_Roadside_Vending_Location
COUNTY OF HAWAIʻI
MAYOR C. KIMO ALAMEDA, PHD
Hawaiʻi County Launches Permitting Program for Designated
Roadside Vending Location
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 14, 2025
The County of Hawai‘i Department of Public Works (DPW) is now accepting applications
for special activity permits authorizing temporary roadside vending in a designated area of
Ane Keohokālole Highway in Kona.
As determined by the County Council, the area is defined as the portion of the makai side
of the highway between the West Hawaiʻi Civic Center and the “Allied Quarry” access
road.
To engage in roadside commercial activities at this location, vendors must receive the
special activities permit and follow its requirements. Applicants must be able to provide:
• Details of the proposed commercial activity.
• Proof of a valid business license or permit required for conducting commercial
activities in the State of Hawaiʻi.
• A plan for managing waste generated by the commercial activity.
• A certificate of insurance.
• Agreement to hold the County harmless from any claims resulting from the
permitted activity.
The County is implementing the permitting process following the passing of Bill 184 by the
County Council in October 2024, which enables vendors and small businesses to conduct
temporary commercial activities – such as selling goods or providing services – at
designated locations along County streets for up to one year.
In March 2025, the County Council designated this portion of Ane Keohokālole Highway
to serve as the first authorized area under this permitting framework (see County Code
Section 22-3.3.2).
The Special Activity Permit Application is available on the DPW Engineering Division’s
website (download the fillable application form).
For more information on the legislative framework, please refer to Bill 184, which can be
found on the County Council website.
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Media Contact:
Tom Callis
Public Information Officer
Office of the Mayor, County of Hawaiʻi
Desk Phone: 808-961-8316
Mobile Phone: 808-767-2471
Email: tom.callis@hawaiicounty.gov