HI HCR160

Urges the mayors and councils of Honolulu, Maui, Hawaii, and Kauai counties to establish business improvement districts as special improvement districts within their respective counties.

Business improvement districts are funded by assessment fees from merchants and property owners and managed by public or nonprofit boards with local business representation, area residents, and local government officials.

Special improvement districts under Hawaii Revised Statutes section 46-80.5 can fund supplemental maintenance and security services, environmental research and restoration, natural resource management, natural hazard mitigation, climate change and sea level rise adaptation, and other improvements that restore or promote business activity.

Existing business improvement districts in Hawaii include Chinatown (operating since 2010), Waikiki (established 2000), Fort Street Mall (established 2002), Hilo Downtown (founded over 40 years ago), and Kailua Village (established 2007).

Directs certified copies of the resolution to be transmitted to the mayors and council chairpersons of all four counties.