Residents and visitors in Chinatown, Hawaii are expressing their concerns as parking prices in most lots in the area have increased. Ernest Caravalho, Downtown-Chinatown Neighborhood Board Chair, stated that many people are upset because municipal lots are expected to be more affordable. Karen Lee, manager of Cindy’s Lei Shoppe, noted that the price for parking has gone up from 75 cents to 90 cents for the first two hours and from $1.50 to $1.80 for each half hour after that.
Additionally, evening and weekend prices have also increased from 50 cents to 65 cents per half hour and from $3 to $3.90. The Chinatown Municipal Parking Lot at Kekaulike Courtyard is one of six lots where prices have been raised. Residents believe these lots were some of the more reasonable parking options in the area.
Lee expressed disappointment over the price increase, stating that Chinatown needs more visitors to support local businesses. She also mentioned that the shift to cashless transactions presents a challenge for those without credit cards. Lee emphasized that the impact of the rising prices is not only felt by shoppers but also by local restaurants in the area.
The community in Chinatown is concerned about the implications of these parking price increases on local businesses and visitors. The rising prices, along with the shift to cashless transactions, are seen as potential barriers for people looking to visit the area.
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