Hilo and Haleiwa in Running for Main Street Repainting

Hilo is one of two Hawaii towns in the running for some repainting in a contest called “Main Street Matters.”

The contest by the Benjamin Moore paint company involves the casting of votes on the internet for repainting of buildings on 20 main streets in the US or Canada.

Nominations for candidate towns closed last week, but voting will be ongoing through June 30.

The website said that a vote can be cast each day.

Votes can be cast by visiting paintwhatmatters.com and clicking on a state or Canadian province on the site’s map, which will show which cities have been nominated. Then click on the town of choice and follow the instructions.

Hilo and Haleiwa, Oahu are the two options in Hawaii.

More than 32,000 votes have already been cast, the website said today.

Benjamin Moore said it is holding the contest because “Main Street is the foundation for thriving communities.”

“It’s the place where your banker recognizes you by name, shopkeepers are willing to open early for you, and where you catch up with friends at your favorite coffee shop,” the website said.

“Since 1883, our network of local retailers has been an integral part of the communities we serve. Main Street is a part of all our histories, which is why we should all take care of them, preserve them, and work to keep their businesses thriving.”

According to the website, the repainting will be done over the next year with the help of local Benjamin Moore retailers and painting contractors.

Of course, as is often the case, there is some fine print involved.

In this case, it indicates that the number of votes may not be the final say:

“Many factors are involved in the final selection of towns to be painted,” the website said. “Therefore, final decisions regarding the 20 main streets to be revitalized, and how many stores will be included, will be at Benjamin Moore’s discretion.”