MEDIA RELEASE
According to the latest Kailua Village Business Improvement District newsletter, the Keauhou Trolley has expanded its route and offers a convenient schedule with stops from Kailua Pier to Keauhou. The service has proven to be extremely popular, so much so that the Trolley just introduced expanded service to include Kona Commons.
“As a business owner, I really appreciate the Trolley bringing Keauhou visitors in to Kailua Village,†said Huggo’s owner and KVBID president Eric von Platen Luder. “But I also see the Trolley as an ideal mode of transportation for area residents – even employees, all who are welcome to use the inexpensive service when working, shopping or dining in Kailua Village.â€
The Trolley can accommodate up to 44 passengers and has an accessible lift for physically challenged riders. Cost is just $1 per ride.
The route begins at Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa followed by stops at Kona Country Club, Keauhou Shopping Center (Longs), Keauhou Beach Resort, Laaloa Beach Park (Magic Sands), Alii Gardens Marketplace, Coconut Grove, St. Michael’s, Kona Bay Hotel, Kailua Pier and Kona Commons, near the eateries. As the Trolley returns south it stops again at Kailua Pier then Kona Inn, Waterfront Row, Huggo’s on the Rocks and then repeats its previous stops continuing south to Keauhou Bay.
The service begins with an 8:55 a.m. pick-up at Sheraton Keauhou Bay. Its last departure from Kailua Pier is at 7:10 p.m.
Kailua Village Business Improvement District encourages residents to take full advantage of this green and inexpensive mode of transportation. Using the Trolley means less driving stress, less gas expense and less impact on limited parking spaces.
KVBID is working on signage for trolley stops that will integrate well with planned aesthetics in the Kailua Village strategic master plan.
— Find out more:
www.kvbid.org
Today we had an humiliating experience with the Keauhou trolley. I was travelling with my mother and if is our first day in Kona. We got off the trolley at a shopping center. The driver refused to let us back on an hour later for no reason. He even lied to my 60 year old mother telling her to wait at the stop that doesn’t exist then start driving away. We chased after the trolley and stopped it. After standing in front of the trolley for 30 minutes the driver wouldn’t like us on. This was so humiliating for us as women traveling and the driver was simply horrible. We filed a police report. If this is racism or sexism or whatever it is. It is unreasonable and unethical. We complained to the company and they said the driver can refuse ride for with or without reason. So let to be known to tourists the service that they can expect. Never again. We will not be using this and this made us feel so humilated and mistreated on this island that we love very much.