HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0183.033 2006-2008 June 5, 2007
To: The Honorable Peter Hoffrnann, Chair and members of the County Council
From: Maori Herkes
RE: KAILUA VILLAGE BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT No. 1;
BILL 55, Draft 2
Aloha:
I strongly encourage you to support the establishment of the Kailas Village Business
Improvement District No. 1.
I am not an owner of property or business in Kailua at this time but I have "worked" on
the village since the 50's and am still very much interested and supportive of business
improvement and enhancement of the village, its environment and of Kona in general. I
heard many people in Kau say last night that they did not like Kona, did not want to be
`like Kailas' and I must say it hurt to heaz that but maybe that is why we are here.
In the past, I served on the Kailua Village Design Commission for six yeazs, worked with
Kona Outdoor Circle to `plant' in Kailua, helped enhance Kailua Pier many times, served
on committees to beautify the village and improve safety in the village with Aloha Patrol.
I have owned several businesses downtown (restaurants and retail operations); worked in
the retail trade in Kailua Village, worked for the chamber of commerce, and eaten at
many of the restaurants. I walk in Kailas Village and go to many events there. I like
Kailas Village and want to see it improved.
I was the statewide Main Street Duector for Historic Hawaii for five yeazs from 1985 to
1990 and met with many of the same Kailas Village business owners who are working
towazd the implementation of the BID now. Improvement Districts aze common tools for
downtown areas that want to improve their business climate. People like to shop and
recreate in azeas that aze clean and safe and will avoid azeas in which property owners do
not take an active interest.
I applaud Kailas business owners for finding out what works and for working with
Waikiki and Fort Street Mall. In the late 40's and eazly 50's, going to high school on
Oahu, we played a lot in Waikiki going to the beach and movies. It is a joy to return these
days and find an even better ambience in these areas aRer not wanting to return for yeazs.
I do have a long history with Kailas also, from 1954, and remember many efforts to
improve the Village. Some were successful but did not have the long term benefit that is
hoped for this effort. I hope you will pass this BID to encourage the investment in
improvements for one of our island's and our state's bridges to history. This
improvement district is not a burden on the village property owners; instead it is an
opportunity to enhance the environment in which they own property
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