The push for a Business Improvement District (BID) in Downtown Honolulu is gaining momentum, with a recent letter emphasizing the crucial need to incorporate Chinatown into the proposed district. The initiative, centered around City Council Bill 51, aims to address persistent issues such as cleanliness, safety, and the need for greater influence in city planning for local businesses and property owners. This proposal, spearheaded by Council member Tyler Dos Santos-Tam, mirrors the successful model of the Waikiki Business Improvement District, as reported by Yahoo News.
The core of the BID proposal involves creating a self-funded district where property owners contribute assessments to finance crucial services such as enhanced security, cleaning, and landscaping. This model, seen by many as a critical step towards revitalizing the area, is also intended to include community stakeholders. As highlighted by Aloha State Daily, the district, encompassing over 2,000 parcels, would encompass areas bordered by Nu‘uanu Avenue, Beretania Street, Mililani Street and Nimitz Highway. The inclusion of Chinatown is viewed as essential due to the interconnectedness of the two areas.
Supporters believe that integrating Chinatown would extend the positive impacts of the BID and foster a unified approach to addressing the challenges faced by businesses in both districts. Hawaii Public Radio quoted advocates who emphasize the symbiotic relationship between Chinatown and Downtown, indicating that the success of one directly impacts the other. The Downtown Honolulu BID could also plan and coordinate festivals and other activities to enliven the Downtown Honolulu area.
However, some business owners have expressed concerns regarding the proposal. Aloha State Daily reported that despite overall support, some business owners raised questions during a town hall meeting about the BID's specifics. Nonetheless, the ongoing discussions and the council's unanimous vote to pass Bill 51 on its first reading underscore the urgency and importance of establishing a BID in Downtown Honolulu.
