KAIMUKI — You won't need to search your car for quarters to park in Kaimuki anymore.

The conversion of the largest municipal parking lot in the area from coin-fed meters to an attendant operation is complete. But the new format isn't without criticism.

While some say the cost to park here after two hours — that's when it jumps from 75 cents per hour to $1.50 per hour — has deterred long-term users from taking up the stalls, others are complaining about the long lines entering and exiting the lot.

"So far, this week, the feedback from customers has not been positive," said Cyrus Goo, owner of Cafe Laufer, where business was down over the weekend. "I don't see it actually helping everyone. Maybe time will tell, but for now, I'm hearing complaints."

Business has also been down at A Taste of New York Deli & Market, by about 25 percent, said owner Michele Acedo. She suspects that people are discouraged by the line of cars waiting to get in and the imposing attendant booths at each entrance.

"People used to drive in and check it out," Acedo said. "But if they see they have to pull a ticket, they might not come in, especially if they don't know what's here. That casual feel is gone, which is unfortunate."

Acedo remains optimistic that as people become familiarized with the new parking format, they'll start to come back.

"I hope this is just short-lived and people will come," she said. "The rates (to park here) are still really, really low."

The conversion to an attendant operation is intended to help address the perennial lack of parking in this busy neighborhood.

Tezra Lee, general manager of Republic Parking Northwest Co., which manages the lot, insists that the new format has freed up more stalls for customers.

"You don't have to circle around to find parking anymore, even at lunchtime," Lee said. "The turnover has been consistent throughout the day. You'll definitely be able to find a space."

She said she's received more positive feedback than criticism since the lot converted to an attended operation Aug. 8.

"People seem very happy with it," Lee said.

Eduardo Hernandez, chairman of the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board, said the conversion to an attended lot has gone smoothly.

"I have not heard any complaints yet," he said. "And I am optimistic that this solution will serve business patrons by increasing turnover of parking spaces."

Though the lot is operational, the project is still not finished. Republic Parking Northwest Co. has one year to make additional improvements such as landscaping, repairing curbs and sidewalks, restriping and repaving the lot.

In addition, the driveway nearest Wai'alae Avenue will switch from an entrance to an exit. The two-way driveway near Harding Avenue will be widened to accommodate larger vehicles and delivery trucks.

The lot's two electronic pay-on-foot stations haven't arrived yet. These machines will allow drivers to pay their fees before leaving the lot to avoid waiting in line at the attendant booth.

Right now, restaurants and retailers do not offer parking validation — something business owners have had to tell their patrons all week.

"I'm hoping these are just kinks," Acedo said. "But when people see gridlock around the block because people are waiting to pull a ticket, they will just keep on going."

Reach Catherine E. Toth at ctoth@honoluluadvertiser.com.