Hawaii House Bill HR161

Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/10/23
• Refer: 3/15/23
• Report Pass: 3/31/23
• Passed: 3/31/23

Caption

Urging The Mayors And Councils Of The City And County Of Honolulu, County Of Maui, County Of Hawaii, And County Of Kauai To Establish Business Improvement Districts As Special Improvement Districts.

Impact

If enacted, HR161 could lead to the establishment of new business improvement districts across Hawaii, building upon existing projects like the Chinatown Improvement District and the Waikiki Business Improvement District. These districts would be tasked with providing focused services and capital improvements that cater specifically to the needs of the local communities. By leveraging local assessments, these districts are empowered to address unique challenges and opportunities within their jurisdictions, potentially leading to strengthened economic conditions and enhanced tourism.

Summary

House Resolution 161 (HR161) urges the mayors and councils of the City and County of Honolulu, as well as the counties of Maui, Hawaii, and Kauai, to establish business improvement districts (BIDs) as special improvement districts. This resolution emphasizes that BIDs serve as economic development organizations designed to provide public services tailored to specific neighborhoods, funded by assessment fees paid by local merchants and property owners. The goal is to boost community well-being and economic vitality by enhancing public services including sanitation, security, and marketing efforts to attract business.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding HR161 appears to be favorable, particularly among proponents of local economic development. Advocates highlight the potential for increased local participation and investment in community needs, which could foster a greater sense of ownership among residents and business owners. However, there may be caution from some quarters regarding the financial implications for property owners and the potential for over-reliance on assessment fees as a revenue base.

Contention

Notable points of contention likely revolve around the governance of these improvement districts and how effectively they can be managed. Concerns might arise regarding the representation of local interests, as BIDs are commonly governed by boards including business and community representatives. There is a potential debate over ensuring that the establishment of more districts does not inadvertently favor larger businesses at the expense of smaller or less financially stable entities, emphasizing the need for equitable management practices.