Parklinq, a Hawaii startup app that seeks to solve the problem many residents and tourists face when searching for parking in the Islands, is expanding its operations to Maui.
Parklinq users can utilize the service in one of two ways; one by scanning and using QR codes posted on the app's parking spots, or downloading the Parklinq app, which has a graphical map that pinpoints available parking areas in real time. Hawaii drivers can also pay for a parking space located near their destination in advance.
As part of a partnership with the Maalaea Triangle Association, beginning Nov. 1, the company's first anniversary, Parklinq will use its services to help the nonprofit raise funds through use of their parking spaces.
“We’re very excited to bring our smart parking technology to Maui so that residents and visitors can enjoy contactless pay for parking service to help generate much needed revenue for infrastructure improvements for the Maalaea Triangle Association, a nonprofit organization that manages the parking lots at Maui Ocean Center and Maalaea Harbor Shops,” said Tyler Saenz, founder and CEO of Parklinq, in a statement.
The partnership comes after Maalaea Triangle Association recently signed a Low Impact Development agreement with Maui Nui Marine Resource Council. The demonstration project — funded by the Maui Office of Economic Development for watershed management — will be a model to address issues with permeability as well as the redesign of parking areas.
“During the pandemic, the Maui Ocean Center transitioned to a contactless experience by introducing the use of QR codes for visitors to view virtual maps and presentations and this has proven to be a welcome feature by our guests,” said Tapani Vuori, general manager at Maui Ocean Center. “Reducing the number of touch points for our visitors also helps to mitigate the effects of the ongoing pandemic.”
Prior to its recent expansion, the parking spot hunting app was mainly available in Urban Honolulu seeing growth of 60% month-over-month since it began, according to previous reporting by Pacific Business News.
