HONOLULU (KHON2) — Two community meetings are scheduled to discuss the proposed Downtown Honolulu Business Improvement District (BID), an effort to expand and update the current Fort Street Mall Special Improvement District.
The first meeting, for area businesses, will be held Tuesday, August 12, at 12:30 p.m. at Pickles Forte.
A second meeting, for area residents, is set for Thursday, August 14, at 5:30 p.m., also at Pickles Forte.
Bill 51 would expand the district to cover a larger section of downtown, from Nuuanu Avenue to South Beretania Street, and Richards Street to Nimitz Highway, plus an adjacent commercial block near Queen Street.
The updated BID would focus on enhanced cleaning, safety patrols, landscaping, and additional amenities such as lighting, signage, and street furniture. It could also help coordinate events and activities to draw more people into the area.
The proposed $1.9 million annual budget would be funded through special assessments on non-residential property owners. Residential properties would be exempt but still benefit from the services.
Supporters say the effort is about revitalizing downtown and changing public perception.
“We’re trying to bring a lot of residents back into town and remind people of all the cool things that are here. The Arts District, the cool restaurants and bars. It’s just a matter of reminding people how much is down here and it’s not crime and drugs,” said Robby Kelley, executive vice president of Avalon Development Company.
If approved, the district would be managed by a nonprofit board of property owners, city representatives, and community members, with a visible safety and maintenance presence seven days a week.