HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0436.002 1998-2000 ~
PETROGLYPH PRESS, LTD. DBA
Old Town Printers 8 Stationers
Basically •Books
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4'L'i,1.1~'J ~o Comm. No.7~•~0 • ~OZ
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File No. lC ~ H
Ref. To: aresented FC
160 Kamehameha Avenue' Hilo, Hawaii 96740 Ref. Date ~ 2 7 1999
Petroglyph Press 608-935-6006' Old Town Printers 808-935-8947' Basically Books 808-961-0144
Toll Free 800.903-MAPS' Fax 608-935-1553
7/25!99
Mayor Stephen Yamashiro
101 Aupuni St.
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Dear Mayor Yamashiro,
I'm writing to express my strong feelings about the contribution the EHCC makes to downtown Hilo
and the entire community of East Hawaii. I am not alone among downtown business people in my support of
the on-going programs taking place at the Center. It is clearly apparent to me that the years of dedicated effort
are paying off. The direction the programs have taken with the current Board of Directors is an indication of the
future potential. This wonderful facility provides a home to many diverse cultural organizations.
My children both attended a Children's Art Camp last wcek. The program provided the children with
5 days of supervised activities from 9 to 4. Alex and Stacey had a great week! They were involved in a fruitful
collaboration within a group of 16 children. Using the writing and performing of a short play as the backbone,
the camp experience involved creative writing, movement, rhythm, painting, mask making, and other visual
arts. My son in particular experienced a newfound enthusiasm for the arts through exposure to such a diverse
program. My daughter was able to try many new activities.
The Cultural Center is a welcome part of the downtown community and an asset to all of East Hawaii.
It is a place that brings residents down to attend classes and to which we can send visitors to share in the work
of some of the many talented artists living on our beautiful island The children of our community attend many
of the shows and have the opportunity to see their art hung each year in the Young At Art show. It was a thrill
for my daughter, Stacey, to ace her artwork displayed in the gallery last year, and ace her picture in the paper!
What better place to encourage a flowering of culture than downtown, where so many activities can be
found within a short walking distance. I fcel we need to encourage additional cultural activities in the down-
'town area, not lose something we akeady have. With the reopening of the Palace Theater and the presence of
the Kress Theatre, downtown has seen a resurgence of nightime activity and traffic. The Pacific Tsunami
Museum has brought another attraction to downtown. The Armory offers cultural activities sponsored by the
County Dept. of Parks and Recreation.. Downtown businesses can't help but benefit from increased traffic
created by the presence of these types of attractions.
What a wonderful addition to downtown to have a Hula Museum and be the home of the Merrie
Monarch office! With all the available space downtown I'm sure a home can be found for them. Has the
University of Hawaii been asked about the possibility of using the Bank of Hawaii Building on Keawe St ?
Under the Hawaiian Studies Dept or the Performing Arts Dept. that space could be put to wonderful use.
During the seventies Kulana Naaueo was a cultural center. That would be a worthy purpose for such a classic
historic structure.
The downtown community is appreciative of the recent improvements ro the area provided by the
County The Armory remodeling and painting project is a welcome sight. The paver block project has done slot
to improve the attractiveness of front street. The sewer project was a major annoyance, but was necessary in
looking toward the future. The striping of the parking lot provided a needed facelift. All the feedback I have
received on the parking fee moratorium has been positive. All these things make downtown a nicer place to be.
Let's build upon the historic and cultural heritage that is the foundation of Hilo town. I encourage the
county to continue its lease with the East Hawaii Cultural Center and explore other ways we can enhance the
atmosphere of our town with additional cultural and educational activities. We can all work together to create a
win-win situation for all concerned.
Sincerely,
c~w~,-~:
Christine Reed
935-6006