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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFocus Area Vision StatementsFOCUS AREA VISION STATEMENTS 1 CREATING ECONOMIC VITALITY In the year 2025, Downtown Hilo is a vibrant, thriving community sustained by its diversified economy. Economic energy is maintained in part by the larger regional industries such as agriculture, transportation, government, and the high -tech research community. Downtown Hilo's primary economic powerhouse, however, is its community of entrepreneurs and small businesses. Business owners recognize the earnings potential of a downtown location and tax incentives encourage prospective businesses to move downtown. Residents, students, and visitors all contribute to downtown's economic vitality by frequenting the many shops, restaurants, sidewalk cafes, world - famous farmers market, and all the other specialized businesses and services that are tucked among artfully restored historic buildings. Hilo's First Friday tradition has become a nightly celebration all week long. The commercial variety offered Downtown is not its only lure; Downtown Hilo is an easy place to visit too. Its mass transit options, ample public parking, pedestrian malls with covered sidewalks —all within easy walking distance to the wide bayfront boardwalk, make Downtown Hilo a destination of choice. A unique mix of industries and interests, of cultures and environment, combined with the community's adaptability when challenged by economic and natural adversity sustains Downtown Hilo's robust economy. Through this sustained economic vitality, Downtown Hilo remains the beautiful, friendly and lively town it is today - unlike any other in Hawai'i. 2 PRESERVING OUR ENVIRONMENT In the year 2025, Downtown Hilo is a breathtaking sight. Its gently sloping townscape overlooks pristine Hilo Bay and the lush Hdmdkua coastline and is framed by the majestic peaks of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea. These magnificent vistas have been carefully protected, thereby ensuring the town's open, spacious atmosphere. As a designated Heritage Town with beautifully restored late 19th and early 20th century architecture, Downtown Hilo is a picturesque village with its own distinct historic style. Hilo Town's streets are cleansed by the frequent rains and maintained by civic pride. A convenient recycling program keeps the streets litter -free. Planters spilling over with lush foliage and tropic blossoms adorn sidewalks and public spaces. Multi -modal forms of transportation including sampans, Hele -On shuttles and bicycles provide environmentally friendly choices. Hilo Bays glistens in the sun inviting paddlers, surfers, and fishermen to enjoy Hawai'i's clean, protected waters. The Hilo Bay - Wailuku River Shoreline Park & Trail provides a scenic expanse for walking, biking, jogging, picnicking, and other activities. The views from downtown persuade people to slow down, relax, and enjoy the natural beauty around them. Residents and visitors give this fragile environment a profound respect. Preservation of its natural and historic resources is a priority that makes Downtown a special place like no other. 3 STRENGTHENING AND SUSTAINING OUR COMMUNITY ................... In the year 2025, Downtown Hilo is synonymous with Aloha. The community treasures its rich history, traditions, cultural -- diversity, generational community -based values, and unique character. Public and private institutions reflect +' the same values and collaborate to enhance this family - friendly community with a variety of youth- centered activities and ongoing programs that support lower - income households. A popular public square serves as the gathering place for residents and visitors of all ages who come to enjoy downtown's beautiful parks, theaters, museums, galleries, churches, and cultural events. There they can talk story, catch up with friends, and make new ones. Volunteerism is alive and well, and the community is known throughout Hawaii for its history of civic participation and personal responsibility. Downtown Hilo reflects the beauty, history, and spirit of Aloha of its people and is a model for other communities that want to preserve that small -town feeling of old. In 2025, our hometown — Downtown Hilo —is as it always has been: a wonderful place to call home. 4 ENHANCING EDUCATION, CULTURE, AND THE ARTS In the year 2025, Downtown Hilo is a global magnet for education, culture and the arts. It is known as Hawai'i's College Town, with the nearby University of Hawai "i at Hilo, the University's research facilities, and Hawai'i Community College attracting the best minds from across the state and the rest of the world. The community's public library is a popular stop on the Hele -On shuttle route. In addition to its easy mass transit access, the library has the parking capacity to accommodate all its visitors. The community demonstrates its values though generous financial support of culture and the arts. Public funding through government programs assist where private donations occasionally fall short and assure that downtown's artistic and cultural community remain active and relevant. Downtown's existing museums and venues for fine and live arts have enhanced the community's reputation as a center of education and art by actively collaborating on a variety of quality programs. These entertaining learning opportunities appeal to participants of all ages and cultural backgrounds. Clear, consistent interpretive signage, part of a comprehensive interpretive plan for downtown, identifies significant sites and leads even the most casual visitor to discover something new. With its rich culture and history, Downtown Hilo has created a culture of learning that bridges the most ethnically and artistically diverse area in the country, and, as a community, it is proud to share this wealth with the rest of the world. 5 PROMOTING HEALTH AND SAFETY In the year 2025, Downtown Hilo is an active, safe and healthy community. Fresh, locally grown produce is available seven days a week at the flagship farmers market, local groceries and natural food markets. Hilo Bay's bounty provides local fishermen with healthy additions to their families' meals. Downtown Hilo is a place where children can play safely in public parks under the watchful eyes of parents and grandparents who visit together while sitting on comfortable, shaded benches nearby. This walkable community is designed with the convenience and safety of the public in mind. Wide sidewalks and pedestrian malls divert speeding traffic. Cycling is a safe transportation option thanks to an extensive system of dedicated bicycle paths within downtown and leading into downtown. Everyone knows the names of the community police officers who have become part of the community they protect. At night the streets are safely illuminated by attractive period lighting, which makes downtown nearly as lively as it is during the day. With its low crime rate, clean environment, wealth of recreational activities, and comfortable feeling of 'ohana, Downtown Hilo is the healthiest and safest place in Hawai'i. G MANAGING GROWTH In the year 2025, Downtown Hilo has retained its small -town charm through careful planning and smart management. A tradition of collaborative partnerships between community, government, and private enterprise has ensured fair and sustainable development. At the heart of this town's smart growth success is its combination of commercial and residential use. Despite a growing population, automobile traffic downtown is light. Cyclists and quiet energy- efficient buses move easily though unhurried neighborhood streets. Residents can choose car -free lifestyles because almost everything they need is within easy walking distance. And for places beyond comfortable walking distances, a convenient mass transit system offers dependable, affordable travel. Historic preservation and well- designed construction meld seamlessly, never detracting from the area's stunning natural view. New development is carefully planned to avoid any negative impact on the environment and on the region's capacity. Downtown Hilo is an example of what smart growth can do —smart growth has kept Downtown Hilo's history alive and its future bright.