TheBuzz
TheBuzz
Business bids
on BIDsBig Island businesses are looking at kicking their environs up a notch, not with a "bam" as would a celebrity chef, but with a "BID," as is done in Waikiki.
Business improvement districts are more than 1,200 strong across North America. Waikiki has one, and Big Islanders have joined those on Maui and around Fort Street Mall in checking out the concept.
The Hawaii County Council would have to approve ordinances to make way for such districts. Area property owners and businesses would pay fees to fund services over and above those delivered by the government.
Peter Young, deputy managing director for Hawaii County, has researched the idea for a little over a year and e-mailed some details out in his weekly newsletter.
However, he makes it clear he's not a promoter.
"It's like, 'OK, this is what we've been looking at, what do you think?'" Young said.
The Waikiki district was nurtured into existence by the Waikiki Improvement Association and the government. Now 18 months old, it is administered by the nonprofit Waikiki Business Improvement District Association.
Executive Director Jan Yamane and Program Coordinator Suzanne Kirio oversee two contractors' work on the two BID priorities, streetscape maintenance and the security and hospitality program.
The Malama Waikiki Crew constantly cleans and maintains sidewalks, street furnishings and landscaping.
"Our goal was to have the streets in Waikiki sparkle and I think we've achieved that," said Rick Egged, president of the Waikiki Improvement Association.
The "Aloha Patrol" provides hospitality and security services, offering extra eyes and ears to police.
Its work has led to the capture and arrest of at least one criminal suspect and has saved at least one life.
"They were able to save a child from choking to death," Egged said. The local child was out to dinner with family at the time.
City Prosecutor Peter Carlisle also likes what he's seen.
"It goes back to the basic broken window theory," he said. "If you take care of the small problem it doesn't become a big problem."
The Waikiki organization's Web site offers further details at www.waikikibid.org.
Erika Engle is a reporter with the Star-Bulletin.
Call 529-4302, fax 529-4750 or write to Erika Engle,
Honolulu Star-Bulletin, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., No. 7-210,
Honolulu, HI 96813. She can also be reached
at: eengle@starbulletin.com