Sen. Kahele Introduces Hilo Community Economic District Bill

Last week, Hawai‘i State Sen. Kaiali‘i Kahele introduced a bill to create the Hilo Community Economic District.

Building on the work of the Banyan Drive Hawai‘i Redevelopment Agency, this bill will expand the application and scope of that effort and move toward crafting a master plan of all state lands in the Hilo urban core.

Included in the plan is Banyan Drive, Wailoa State Park, Kanoelehua Industrial Area, Hilo International Airport and Pier, and other nearby state lands.

“This initiative combines the strengths of the public sector, private enterprise and the community to conduct long-range planning and community building unlocking the economic potential of East Hawaiʻi,” said Sen. Kahele. “This is truly a game-changer for Hilo. With this kind of synergy, we can build a Hilo for the future. A Hilo that our children can thrive in.”

Sen. Kaiali‘i Kahele represents the 1st Senatorial District, which encompasses the greater Hilo area on the Island of Hawai‘i.