Wailuku Riverfront Park - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

LZ Existing Environment: Economic Characteristics The economy of the Big Island has not yet recovered from a slump that began with the Persian Gulf War of 1991, when tourism fell off dramatically. This was followed by the domino -like closure of all the island's sugar plantations, which took away thousands of jobs. Visitor numbers increases in West Hawaii have contributed to a small degree of recovery. Economic diversification is evidenced by growth in diversified agriculture, timber services, and particularly by high tech industries at the Natural Energy Laboratory- Hawaii in Kona and the astronomical observatories on Mauna Kea. As a result of the generally poor economic climate, businesses throughout Hilo are suffering. This is especially true in the downtown, which has lost many customers to the malls of Waiakea. According to business operators consulted during this EA, among the many obstacles in attracting customers to the downtown area is the lack of sufficient and conveniently located parking. The section of Wailuku Drive that is proposed for removal in Wailuku Drive Closure Alternative currently accommodates approximately 17 parking spaces (see Fig. 5). Impacts and Mitigation Measures The socioeconomic impacts from the project are largely beneficial. The open space, greenery and recreation will complement the business sector and improve the atmosphere for residents, visitors and business owners and employees. The improvement will also increase the value of the area as a tourist site and attract visitors and their expenditures. However, business owners in several meetings about the project have expressed great concern at the loss of the 17 parking spaces on Wailuku Drive (see letter from the Hilo Downtown Improvement Association, Appendix 1). Although there are generally many open spaces in the area, certain times of the day and particularly special events at the Hilo Armory find all parking spaces occupied. This leads to customer inconvenience, as they must find another parking space farther away, and probably lost business as well. The Police Department and the Department of Public Works also expressed concern about the loss of parking (see Appendix 1). The County of Hawaii's Office of Housing and Community Development (OHCD) is currently located adjacent to the park. Its employees occupy more than 25 spaces Monday through Friday during working hours. Furthermore, the clients of the Housing Office also occupy several spaces at any given time during working hours. OHCD is currently contemplating relocation away from downtown. This move would free approximately 30 parking spaces currently occupied during worktime. 14