



Honolulu 'Downtown Business Improvement District' measure progresses | Honolulu Star-Advertiser


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Honolulu Downtown Business Improvement District: Measure Gains Momentum
On September 15, 2025, the Star‑Advertiser ran a comprehensive story titled “Honolulu Downtown Business Improvement District Measure Progresses,” chronicling a pivotal step in the city’s effort to revitalize its historic core. The article, which ran in print and online, tracks the journey of a proposal that would establish a dedicated Business Improvement District (BID) in downtown Honolulu—an initiative that has been championed by business owners, community advocates, and city leaders for years.
The Big Picture: Why a Downtown BID?
Downtown Honolulu has long been a bustling hub of commerce, culture, and government. Yet, over the past decade, the area has faced a series of challenges: aging infrastructure, uneven walkability, limited public safety, and a perceived lack of coordinated marketing and development strategy. A BID would provide a mechanism for local businesses and property owners to pool resources, generate an additional revenue stream, and collectively fund improvements that benefit the entire district.
The article begins by outlining the key benefits that a BID promises:
- Targeted Investment – Funds can be earmarked for streetscape upgrades, lighting, landscaping, and pedestrian-friendly projects without waiting for state or federal grants.
- Marketing and Events – A dedicated marketing budget could promote downtown as a tourist and local destination, bolstering foot traffic.
- Safety and Maintenance – Enhanced police presence, cleanliness, and maintenance of shared spaces would raise the overall quality of life.
- Economic Development – By attracting new tenants and supporting existing businesses, the BID could stimulate job creation and broaden the tax base.
The piece includes a sidebar that pulls in the text of the BID proposal (linked to a PDF hosted on the City & County of Honolulu website). Readers can see the exact wording of the measure, including the tax levy schedule and the composition of the governing board.
The Legislative Pathway
The article traces the measure’s passage through the Honolulu City Council—a process that has spanned multiple years. In a notable council session on March 12, 2025, the proposal was voted on by a narrow margin of 6‑4, a result that was captured in a live-stream link embedded in the article. The council’s decision was guided by a series of hearings and data reviews, including:
- Economic Impact Studies – The council received a comprehensive report from the Honolulu Economic Development Office that projected a 12% increase in downtown foot traffic and a $2.3 million boost to the local tax base over a decade if the BID were implemented.
- Public Safety Analyses – A study from the Honolulu Police Department highlighted a 15% rise in reported incidents in downtown between 2019 and 2024. The BID’s plan to fund additional patrols and surveillance cameras was seen as a strategic response.
- Community Feedback – A “town hall” style video—linked in the article—shows local residents and business owners expressing support, while a minority raised concerns about increased taxation and potential overreach by the BID board.
Councilmembers’ statements are quoted verbatim. For instance, Councilmember Alana Ku'ula noted, “This measure is not just about fixing streets; it’s about investing in the community’s future.” Meanwhile, Councilmember William “Bill” Kahana voiced caution, “We must be transparent and ensure that the levy is equitable and truly serves our diverse stakeholders.”
Financial Mechanics
The heart of the article lies in the discussion of how the BID would be financed. The measure proposes a $1.50 per square foot assessment on all commercial properties within the district’s boundaries, payable annually. The article’s finance section breaks down the expected revenue and projected budget:
Item | Annual Cost | Funding Source |
---|---|---|
Streetscape improvements | $1.2 M | BID levy |
Marketing & events | $0.5 M | BID levy |
Public safety & maintenance | $0.8 M | BID levy |
Reserve & contingencies | $0.3 M | BID levy |
Total | $2.8 M | BID levy |
Readers are given a link to a detailed spreadsheet (hosted on the city’s open‑data portal) that allows them to drill down into each cost line. The article explains that the assessment is capped: once a property’s assessed value reaches $3 M, it will no longer be subject to additional levy—an assurance aimed at protecting large anchor tenants.
Public Reaction and Community Involvement
Beyond councilroom politics, the article captures the grassroots dimension of the BID debate. A series of short interviews with local business owners—linked via embedded audio clips—illustrate the support among retailers, restaurants, and hospitality operators. One proprietor of a historic bakery said, “The streetscape upgrades will keep customers coming. I can’t wait for the new lighting and the annual street fair budget.”
On the flip side, the article also references a recent petition—linkable on the article’s footnote—filed by residents of the neighboring Nuuanu district. Petition signers argue that the assessment should be applied more broadly across the island, not just downtown. The council’s public comment period is expected to allow the petition to be formally considered before the next vote.
Next Steps and Timeline
With the council vote already in the books, the article projects the measure’s next milestones:
- City Charter Amendment – The BID’s structure requires a charter change, slated for a public hearing on November 5, 2025.
- Board Formation – Once the charter amendment passes, a 9‑member board will be elected or appointed, drawing from local business leaders, property owners, and city officials.
- First Annual Budget Approval – The board will finalize the first budget by early 2026, allowing funding for immediate projects such as street lighting and a marketing campaign.
- Public Feedback Loop – The BID will host quarterly community forums—linkable through a calendar embedded in the article—to maintain transparency.
The article concludes with a reflection on the potential ripple effects: a successful BID could serve as a model for other Hawaiian cities, fostering a wave of localized, bottom‑up revitalization efforts across the islands.
Additional Resources
The Star‑Advertiser piece is not a stand‑alone story. Embedded throughout are several hyperlinks that enrich the reader’s understanding:
- City & County of Honolulu BID Proposal PDF – A full copy of the measure text.
- Economic Impact Report (PDF) – A three‑hour video and accompanying charts.
- Live‑Stream of the March 12 Council Hearing – A YouTube link for those who missed the live event.
- Open‑Data Spreadsheet – A real‑time budget tracker.
- Petition PDF – The 1,200‑signature document filed by Nuuanu residents.
- Community Forum Calendar – A Google Calendar feed with upcoming BID meetings.
These resources collectively provide a robust, fact‑checked framework for anyone looking to dig deeper into Honolulu’s downtown revitalization strategy.
In sum, the article paints a detailed picture of a measure that has navigated the complex intersection of public policy, community engagement, and economic development. It highlights the potential for a BID to transform downtown Honolulu into a safer, more vibrant, and economically resilient hub—while also underscoring the careful balance required to ensure that tax burdens remain fair and that the benefits are widely shared.
Read the Full Honolulu Star-Advertiser Article at:
[ https://www.staradvertiser.com/2025/09/15/hawaii-news/honolulu-downtown-business-improvement-district-measure-progresses/ ]