DIA Accomplishments

The Hilo Downtown Improvement Association is a collaborative, community voice that works to promote and support the history, culture, environment, and economy of the historic downtown area.

Ongoing and Completed:
ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF THE HILO DOWNTOWN IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION IN OUR 49TH YEAR OF SERVICE TO DOWNTOWN HILO:

Managing the Hilo Information Center at the Mo`oheau Bus Depot to support the Hawaii County Mass Transit System. We serve thousands of commuters and visitors, answer tens of thousands of questions, and direct business to DIA members.

Continuing to be THE Downtown voice and liaison for implementing cooperative actions with county agencies, community groups, and interested parties.

Continuing involvement with the police to address public safety in Downtown

Worked with Hawaii County and Downtown landowners to avoid unnecessary building code restrictions Downtown, an ongoing effort; to amend the county flood ordinance to reverse the impacts of 2006 revisions that made it very difficult for property owners on Kamehameha Avenue and Ponahawai Street to reinvest in their property.

Organize and produce the Annual Hilo Chinese New Year Festival and the Annual Black & White Night, bringing thousands of people to Downtown.

Supported the Office of the Mayor in organizing the World Peace Festival at Moku Ola in 2010 and 2011.

Assisted the Hilo High School Key Club in producing “A Family Christmas Downtown,” to involve community keiki in downtown activities.

Received a County Project Enrichment Program Grant to create and produce Hilo Hula Days – 100 Days of Aloha by the Bay, happening at the Mo’oheau Park and Bandstand every day a cruise ship calls at the Port of Hilo.

Partnered with KTA, EHCC, and artist Kathleen Kam to install the inaugural mural for our “Revitalization:  One Wall at a Time” Project.  The wall produced statewide publicity, involved lots of community participation, and set the bar for future murals to come.

Initiated a Promotional Banner Program, with financial support from Hawaii County Research & Development, to brighten the Kamehameha Avenue street frontage and to promote special events and exploration in downtown.

Partnered with the Hawaii Tourism Authority for a grant for security cameras now installed in the Downtown area.

Preserving the storied landscapes of Downtown by designing and installing interpretive signage at Kalakaua Park and the Naha Stone, with a new sign to be installed shortly at Mo’oheau Park.

Develop and strengthen partnerships to maintain Liholiho Park, refresh sidewalk planters, and install and maintain hanging baskets.

Advocating for and supporting improvements to Downtown Hilo County Parks and facilities, and working towards increased security in the area for all park and depot users.