HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0338.060 1998-2000
To: The Honorable Members of the Hawaii County Council,
Human Services and Economic Development Committee
Date: July 27, 1999
RE: The East Hawaii Cultural Center, Kalakaua Street, Hilo, Hawaii Rec~veo r
11me_.._....__.. y
Date__._.._. ~~7. j3
Good afternoon Ladies and Gentlemen. My name is Johanna Wisema~O1I"i4fA1 v~~DG
owner of Island Art Supply, a small retail store struggling to survive in the most
economically depressed town, on the most economically depressed island, in the
most economically depressed state in this nation.
I wish to speak on behalf of the many small businesses in East Hawaii that will be
negatively impacted by the eviction of the East Hawaii Cultural Center. While
speaking with many business owners, I have learned that the diversity of
businesses that benefit from the Cultural Center's activities is amazing. Among
these businesses are framers, art, craft and office supply stores, fabric stores,
hardware stores, book stores, galleries and gift shops. All of these business
people know that the removal of the East Hawaii Cultural Center from its current
home will have grave consequences for their businesses.
Art shows at the center directly generate business. Framers and art supply
retailers see a definite increase in sales just before a major show.
Art classes held at the center cause a positive sales boost, while students learn
new skills that lead to the creation of income.
Artists, showing their work at the center produce sales and the income and
experience needed to pursue their craft.
Patrons of the center gain an appreciation of the arts that leads to further sales.
Children involved in the arts develop critical thinking and learning skills that lead
to increased value in the workplace.
No. 3 38 , 0 60
File No.
Ref, To: Vres~afmll NS~ID~
RPf. Date 2 7 ~
In my recent Letter to the Editor, I told of a Thursday evening at the Center a few
weeks ago. I was teaching a silk screen class in the studio, there was an
aerobics class in multi-purpose room, an artist was preparing for her show in the
gallery, a glass bead making demonstration was happing on the lanai, a meeting
of the Big Island Dance Council was in the board room AND a rehearsal for
Shakespeare in the Park was using the annex building and the front veranda.
Is there room for all this activity in the Penny's building plan? Instead of
Shakespeare in the Park, will it be Shakespeare in the Parking Lot? Will the
children be drawing pictures on asphalt rather than sitting on the grass at the
park?
The new leadership together with those who have an abundance of experience
are making the center into a wonderful place for the people of Hilo. The results
of throwing out the East Hawaii Cultural Center would be devastating. We will
loose the only place for the public to participate in the arts in Hilo and we will
strike yet another blow against small business in Hawaii.
I hope that you will seriously consider rejecting the Mayor's plan remove the
EHCC from 141 Kalakaua Street.
Respectfully Submitted
J nna Wiseman
Owner, Island Art Supply