Town Meeting 2008_Panel Speeches

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Sig Zane Focus Areas: Enhancing Education, Culture, and the Arts, Creating Economic Vitality SIG'S VISION In the historical district of Downtown Hilo, the unique wooden structures provide a "sense of place" and a feeling of "romantic Hawaii." This is a value that we can build on, identifying the special features, and in turn, preserving it for the future generations. We have been fortunate that nature has provided so much for us. In many ways, she has protected us. The inability to foster growth following the tsunamis has indirectly given Hilo an edge. Today we have large green open spaces that most towns don't have. Our Downtown is basically the same as it was in the 50s and 60s because there wasn't money to rebuild or to rejuvenate. Earthquakes have contributed too. The fear of another big one not only keeps us humble, but generally afraid to develop. The greatest asset that Hilo offers is romance. When a visitor comes to town, they are somewhat taken back because it is like we have been stuck in an era. They see paradise of a by -gone era: coconut trees, free parking, and a farmers' market with great prices. In addition, they experience real people. As the economy continues to challenge our survival, we can look at our Downtown Hilo as a main ingredient for the recipe for success! Certainly we are not competing with the other destinations because we don't offer white sand beaches or luau shows. The respect for space is practiced with people, buildings, and nature. Before shipping ports were developed, the wood for many of our buildings were dropped into the sea and floated into shore. This salt -water dunking preserved the wood, making it less attractive to the termites. Our buildings stand today because they were done with love and integrity. Their character is admirable, the architectural I like to identify as Plantation Market, and the personality is certainly romance. In this district, we have several "corridors" that deserve additional credit and could be highlighted. One example is our "Capitol District" that includes the Federal Building housing the Post Office, the East Hawaii Cultural Center which was the former Police Station, the Kulana Naauao building housing the Social Services Department. In addition, there are a few wooden structures that should be cared for and documented: The American Red Cross on Ululani Street. This is a fine example of architecture during the early part of the 20th century. If we have our guidelines in tack, we'd be able to protect our valued inventory from change: the site of the Hilo Hotel was the former location of King Kalakaua's summer residence and the tree that he planted... How about Shipman House? 7