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FOCUS AREA VISION STATEMENTS <br />1 CREATING ECONOMIC VITALITY <br />In the year 2025, Downtown Hilo is a vibrant, thriving <br />community sustained by its diversified economy. Economic <br />energy is maintained in part by the larger regional <br />industries such as agriculture, transportation, government, <br />and the high -tech research community. Downtown Hilo's <br />primary economic powerhouse, however, is its community <br />of entrepreneurs and small businesses. Business owners <br />recognize the earnings potential of a downtown location <br />and tax incentives encourage prospective businesses to <br />move downtown. Residents, students, and visitors all contribute to downtown's <br />economic vitality by frequenting the many shops, restaurants, sidewalk cafes, world - <br />famous farmers market, and all the other specialized businesses and services that are <br />tucked among artfully restored historic buildings. Hilo's First Friday tradition has become <br />a nightly celebration all week long. The commercial variety offered Downtown is not its <br />only lure; Downtown Hilo is an easy place to visit too. Its mass transit options, ample <br />public parking, pedestrian malls with covered sidewalks —all within easy walking <br />distance to the wide bayfront boardwalk, make Downtown Hilo a destination of <br />choice. A unique mix of industries and interests, of cultures and environment, <br />combined with the community's adaptability when challenged by economic and <br />natural adversity sustains Downtown Hilo's robust economy. Through this sustained <br />economic vitality, Downtown Hilo remains the beautiful, friendly and lively town it is <br />today - unlike any other in Hawai'i. <br />2 PRESERVING OUR ENVIRONMENT <br />In the year 2025, Downtown Hilo is a breathtaking sight. Its <br />gently sloping townscape overlooks pristine Hilo Bay and <br />the lush Hdmdkua coastline and is framed by the majestic <br />peaks of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea. These magnificent <br />vistas have been carefully protected, thereby ensuring the <br />town's open, spacious atmosphere. As a designated <br />Heritage Town with beautifully restored late 19th and early <br />20th century architecture, Downtown Hilo is a picturesque <br />village with its own distinct historic style. Hilo Town's streets are cleansed by the <br />