PATA Hawaii Chapter update on Waikiki projects

Posted: Mon 12 Jul, 2010 12:00 AM

PATA Hawaii Chapter hosted its third luncheon this year on July 8, 2010.  The speakers provided the attendees with an update from the Waikiki Improvement Association and the Waikiki Business Improvement District Association.  Both the speakers shared their business goals for the year as well as highlights of their organisations’ accomplishments, with the audience.  

Rick Egged, president, Waikiki Improvement Association, presented a pictorial tour of the transformation of Waikiki; spanning from the improvements to Kuhio Beach Park, landscaping, the improved Kalakaua Avenue promenade and their efforts to restore the Hawaiian ‘Sense of Place’ with the Waikiki Historic Trail, torch lighting and new Kapiolani Park Bandstand.  Egged also noted that much of the transformation was made possible with the help of the city’s infrastructure investment, public-private partnership events, and investments by the private sector.  Said Egged: “Those investments transformed Waikiki into a renaissance of world-class dining and retail mecca.” Examples of private sector investments are the Waikiki Beach Walk development project and the beautiful improvements at the Royal Hawaiian Centre. Egged closed his presentation with encouragement for ‘green’ roofs in the area, and his vision for Waikiki.

Jan M Yamane, executive director, Waikiki Business Improvement District Association, spoke to the audience about their programme values and how it was based on the concept of the stewardship of Waikiki.  Programmes such as the ‘Malama Waikiki Crew’, provide regular cleaning of the area; the Hawaiian word ‘Malama’ means to ‘take care, or serve’.  Another very visible programme called ‘Aloha Ambassadors’, provides hospitality to visitors through simple services such as providing directions, answering questions and displaying a willingness to help and serve.  Additional programmes or projects are mystery shops and working with the Waikiki Health Centre in several capacities.  The association began its roots as a product of collaboration between the community, business and government, to keep Waikiki safe and welcoming to both visitors and residents.

For further information please visit www.waikikiimprovement.com and www.waikikibid.org.

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