Waiākea Peninsula Design Lab

WAIĀKEA PENINSULA DESIGN LAB | 2023

INTRODUCTION DESIGN LAB

Key Objectives Engage multi-sector stakeholders Demonstrate ability for co-creation Inform policy and development plans for the Waiākea Peninsula Inspire economic revitalization

In partnership with Council Members Sue Lee Loy and Jennifer Kagiwada, Vibrant Hawaiʻi hosted three Design Labs (October 16 and November 16, 2023) at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, focusing on the growth and revitalization of the Waiākea Peninsula.

The primary objective of the Design Labs were to leverage the collective expertise and diverse perspectives of stakeholders with strong ties to the Waiākea Peninsula. Participants ranged from local community members to officials and experts across various sectors, all united by their commitment to the peninsula's future.

The primary task was to develop a guiding document based on Asset Based Community Development principles, aimed at steering the peninsula's restoration and revitalization in a way that aligns with community goals.

With the goal of creating a prototype mural design, Vibrant Hawaiʻi invited their Art Fellows to document each of the Design Labs through painting and song. The artwork will be installed at the former Uncle Billy’s Hotel site, symbolizing the community's collective hopes and dreams for the Waiākea Peninsula.

Restore community belonging and kuleana Create a prototype mural design

GROUNDING Lilinoe Keliʻipio-Young and Terri Napeahi Each of the (3) Design Labs opened with grounding to place, led by Lilinoe Keliʻipio-Young and Terri Napeahi, whose deep ties to Mokuola and its stories significantly enriched the gathering. Their shared insights into the cultural and historical significance of the Waiākea Peninsula offered participants a deeper connection to the place they were planning for. This grounding ensured that the decisions and ideas generated during the event were not only informed but also culturally conscious, respecting, and honoring of the rich heritage of the area.

Click here or scan to watch Interviews with participants.

Lilinoe Keliʻipio-Young hails from a lineage deeply connected to

Terri Napeahi was born in 1961 to Hawaiian parents that trace their

Mokuola. As one of the last members of the Keliʻipio Ohana who served

roots to the early days of Waiākea Ahupua‘a. Terri’s personal

as caretakers on the island until the devastating 1960 tsunami, Aunty

connection to the land and her ancestors remains strong. For the past

Lilinoe spent her formative years amidst the unique landscapes and

twenty years Terri has been pursuing her family’s history and in

challenges of Mokuola. Raised in a one-bedroom house with her large

particular, seeking evidence of the Napeahi Family link to an ancient

family, she recalls the beauty of mornings with the entire island to

heiau known as Kuakaʻananuʻu, which was located on the shore

themselves and the vibrant community gatherings that once thrived.

opposite Mokuola (Coconut Island). According to family oral history, her

With insights into the island's past, Aunty Lilinoe's stories weave

ancestors were associated with the traditional activities that took place

together the threads of history, community, and the enduring spirit of

at Kuakaʻananuʻu Heiau.

Mokuola, offering a valuable perspective for shaping its future restoration and revitalization in our collaborative effort to revitalize Makaokū.

The above excerpt is reprinted from the Kuawa Street New Sports Fields Development Final Environmental Assessment (December 2015). https://records.hawaiicounty.gov/weblink/1/edoc/78903/FEAKuawa%20St%20New%20Sports%20Fields%20Development-December%202015.pdf

3D MAPPING 3D Mapping is a tool designed by the Presencing Institute, and has been used by thousands of teams, organizations, and communities worldwide to achieve system transformation and support individuals, organizations, and multi-sector groups to bring about change in their own contexts.

3D Mapping is a sculpting process used to observe and inquire into a current situation in order to transform it. The process prompts questions from four specific vantage points, allowing for a 360-degree seeing and sensing. This is key to dismantling our unconscious bias and assumptions, and builds our ability to makawalu - and see things from a different perspective.

What do you love about this sculpture of Waiākea peninsula and what gives you frustration?

Love: Depicts the bridge tower and rock of Mokuola bridging the past and the future. Also depicts military occupation in early 1940's. Frustration: Tower needs to be much safer for public use. NO MORE WHITE SAND anymore. A return to what was once a thriving community that allows culture, tourism and civic activities to co-exist.

Love: We can only see sun, wai in form of clouds and the rainbow it produces together. Frustration: It isn’t a true depiction of the disparities of wealth and extractive realities of poverty, displacement and social conditions we find in reality. Not all voices are present, heard, and valued equally. Truth reconciliation, healing, stewardship (continuous) inclusivity.

I love the ʻāina, the natural elements, history, the culture that formed from it, and the language - how it cares for us and how we should care for it in return. Frustration: How the man-made farm changed and altered the natural factions of the ʻāina and how our wai and natural resources are contaminated. How the ʻāina is no longer thriving like before.

I love the idea of everyone coming together to achieve a common goal.

I love my vision of the ocean, the sunset, the stars and on land, the Hawaiian Cultural Center and healthy banyans. Frustration Consensus of government to approve my vision.

I love the idea of restoration of this area. Pre-plantation era. Hawaiian ancestral knowledge: Place names anciently. Frustration: nothing showing the history and its significance of the Hawaiian ancients.

Love that I can see the bay. Frustrated that I can see turmoil and the fragility.

Hope for a better future, to build better. Frustration: Its fragility, if not built right it will collapse.

It [3D Map] showed love in the center of all work, Beauty (flowers) are next to love. Frustration: undone paperclip signifying the work to be done.

It incorporates current elements of banyan drive but places greater importance on natural and cultural sources than "buildings" (i.e. hotels). Frustration-items provided are haphazard and abstract which feels a lot like banyan drive today haphazard, unplanned, and no clear vision.

Vision of possibility. Far from reality.

I love the shape of it representing ʻāina and its simplicity.

Love: Realist perspective of conditions now, but also an optimistic future if we act accordingly. Frustration: Inaction to plan and improve the current situation facing the area until now.

Land management. Best use - define and by who. Frustration: Environmental issues. Funding.

What is wanting to end or die in this sculpture?

What I am wanting to end in this sculpture is all the reality conflicts and roadblocks that is blocking this thriving version of Waiākea/Hawaiʻi End: Waste plant and industrial.

Don't want Hilo and East side to lose its authenticity. Want to keep cultural treasure... no like become like West Side.

Want to end reliance on the shipping in to survive.

End of the pollution to bay - flood controls empty into the bay bringing debris and dead animals into bay.

Pollution in the Bay from years of cane trash disposal into the Bay. The disappearance of white sand that used to cover the rock outcrops surrounding Mokuola.

Eliminate the CONFLICT." - Working in silos The void and the misuse/disuse of the majority of the land.

The road at the bottom connects to current hotels and businesses. Want the road to protect us from modern thoughts.

The big red that symbolizes tall buildings/hotels in the area.

The barricade preventing the ripples from moving freely.

Parking lot removed to make place for the restoration of Kuākuʻananuʻu.

The circle around my 'people'. I would want to make it bigger and more inclusive.

Living beyond our means, extractive and consumer-driven realities that don't holistically take into account impacts and sustainable lifestyle. Disconnected from impacts and future generations.

Lack of care for the area.

We are in a precarious situation: 1) unstable 2) nature is at stake.

What are the key conflicts and hard truths that you have to courageously face in this sculpture?

The key conflicts that I have to courageously face in this sculpture is the kuleana that I have to educate and guide those who can make this happen, keeping them grounded in the root culture and in this beautiful thriving Hawaiʻi future.

Sometimes, it's hard to come together as a community if people don't see eye to eye about how this wahi should be used. Some may want to continue to build in the area (more hotels), while others would want to restore it to its original cultural use.

The key conflicts and hard truths are the lack of natural resources to depict the natural beauty of this ʻāina.

Hard to see the whole picture, competing focal points, some elements are blocked from view. Gems are more hidden.

Many powerful special interests are involved - the natural environment is at stake.

Finding balance within our roles. Finding kuleana within the community.

Development vs. Natural Environment.

It's hard to see the gold, the ship, and the breakwall blaze ahead. The fight and fragility are overshadowed.

Adversarial nature of the ownership and management towards the community and those who utilize and enjoy the area.

Consensus of Hawaiian Community, State, County, and Stakeholders to pass on Cultural Center. Lack of taking responsibility or kuleana of making banyans healthy.

Consensus: Funding, permits, Government agencies, Politics, special interest, diverse.

Tourism expansion, crime, potential loss of culture and rec space. Shoreline erosion/sea level rise, rubbish, homelessness/homeless in the area.

That our ancestors lived and survived here. It was their home.

Redesign or redevelop use of the golf course area Renovate existing properties on banyan drive.

Not enough paddles to move forward, or paddlers.

If this sculpture could speak, what advice would it give on the way forward?

If my sculpture could speak, it would advise me to keep on pushing for this thriving vision of Waiākea and for a thriving Hawaiʻi.

To push on so that our moʻopuna (grandchildren and next generation) can see and live in the Hawaiʻi we know and love.

Supported and grounded in our kuanaʻike Hawaiʻi, kupuna, and in our cultural practices.

Put into action ways to preserve and help nature thrive. Put into action a cultural center to help the history, culture, cultural practice of this place to thrive and live on. If not us, then who will do it for our people, this place, and the future generation?

Build partnership and relationships. Stay in integrity of values, and put energy in restorative movements. Think and act in a system approach. Nature-based solutions, indigenous-led Hawaiian culture and values. Be the model for the change we want to see in the world. Community-based true representation at the decision making.

The sculpture would say I have so much potential, potential to be a vibrant gathering area for not only the tourists but an area to fully engage our island’s local community.

We all need to work together, from ʻōpio to kupuna, to ensure that this wahi continues to live on. This includes moʻolelo and history of place.

Do something! Take action! 'Our' time is running out! Look to nature and history and find a balance for future changes or enhancements.

We owe protection of this area to future generations! 'Laulima' work together!

It would tell me that this ʻāina needs more care and thoughtful planning in its restoration. It is too messy!

Build upon our natural beauty, culture and values. The foundation (land) is home.

Take care of me, share your ʻike and aloha. Understand me and grow with me.

Listen. Be open to Ideas. Take care of me while I am here. Nothing lasts forever!

Friends of Lili`uokalani Gardens gather with Susie Osborne for the first genki ball toss.

From left to right: Phil Hulbert, Paul Kaneko, Amy Nishiura, K.T. Cannon-Eger, Susie Osborne, Parks & Recreation Director Maurice Messina, Carol Kaneko, Tadashi and Yutaka Kaneko (photo by Charlene Iboshi) U.S. Japanese Gardens Genki Hou Waihonu Article. https://us-japanesegardens.com/2022/12/04/genki-hou-waihonu/

ASSET-BASED COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT (ABCD) Community driven systems change happens when community members design, own, and initiate the change process. Using the final prompt of the 3D Mapping process, “What wants to emerge or be born?” participants organized their insights within the prompts of the Asset Based Community Development framework to identify: What can we do on our own?

What can we do in partnership?

What is outside of our ability to do?

What wants to emerge or be born?

A new concerted effect to save and improve what we have today, reflecting the ancient and recent history of the area.

The life of the land. It's natural space and beauty, health, hope to thrive. The history and the root culture want to emerge and highlight this place, its people in its true nature. Living Hawaiʻi. E Hawaiʻi e Ola! I would want this entire sculpture to emerge and come to life. It represents a thriving Waiākea; constant flow of water, ʻāina thriving and feeding our people, and our people caring for it. Water.

Mana - cultural practices concerning life, regrowth - sharing of like knowledge.

Emerge a lifestyle for families to enjoy. Bringing back our Hawaiian culture.

More meakanu/food sources like kalo, which could be used to sustain the poʻe of this wahi.

Renewal - Healthy trees, clean drive, welcoming area, recognition of the history with a cultural center. More awareness in our young people of all the above.

The water wants to be free.

A new Waiākea Peninsula which is desired around the core aspects of cultural, historical, environmental and societal values. Highlights will include a reimagined Banyan Drive complete with a new master planting plan, recognition of the historical heiau and a healthy pond native fish thrive in but most of all a place where all feel safe and at peace.

Truth and reconciliation healing and wellness/the village. Waiwai, long-lasting wealth trust, stewardship. Safety and sense of place. Acknowledgement of climate change; It’s cause and solutions. Acknowledgement of poverty, it’s cause and solutions. Recognition that it is an emergency. Nature-based indigenous led solutions.

Willingness to holomua! The cultural center in action! Live education This wahi is so rich in ʻike Hawaiʻi and traditions and it should be shared more.

A master plan for the area - Leases of buildings, golf course redevelopment, and cultural and historical story.

Hope for a positive future! Being able to change is necessary.

Confidence in Community Dedicate time to understanding the history of the peninsula.

Engage actively in volunteering to make a tangible impact.

Ground in kuanaʻike Hawaiʻi.

100%

I believe that people in my community have the ability to make things better for everyone.

Build with intention and thoughtfulness. Continue to be personally engaged in this process.

Share knowledge and insights about the local history and culture.

Focus on Hawaiian culture-based initiatives and learning.

Organize and host educational sessions for the community about the area's history.

Commit to maintaining the cleanliness and beauty of the local environment.

Support community-beneficial measures and initiatives.

Invest time in comprehensively understanding local issues.

Prioritize education about the area's history and cultural significance.

Enhance the use of space with more plants and culturally relevant designs.

Embrace and reintegrate traditional cultural practices and history, including Makaokū.

Participate in self-driven volunteerism and join local committees.

Embrace the concept of E hoʻi i ka piko – returning to the spiritual center.

As a result of my participation in the Design Lab, I learned something new about my community.

I built new relationships with the community.

I worked with someone I never would have before.

I grew in my sense of belonging and connection to my community.

I believe I have the ability to make my community a better place.

Agree

96%

Conduct research and learn from kūpuna (elders) and family members about cultural heritage.

Disagree

4%

Making Genki balls.

I am more aware of an assumptions or bias that I had about myself or my community.

Participants recognized the importance to actively understand the local history and culture of the area. Their approach centers on engaging in volunteerism, Hawaiian cultural practices, and prioritizing education about the area's historical and cultural significance. The results of the participant hikaloi (self reflection and evaluation) further demonstrates participant's kuleana and commitment grounded in a deep sense of belonging and connection to the Waiākea Peninsula, which serves as as a catalyst to take action.

Agree

78%

Disagree

22%

Allocate funds specifically for maintaining and improving environmental health.

Promote initiatives like the Japanese Community Association's tree planting campaign.

Organize events dedicated to planting native species.

Consider replacing banyan trees with native plants or forests, or alternatively, maintain the existing trees.

Work in partnership with the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) and local authorities to better manage and maintain public spaces.

Create more shared spaces, such as trails and parks, with cultural opportunities at locations like Uncle Billy's.

Increase the number of community events, festivals, and gatherings.

Expand educational and cultural opportunities within the community.

Establish a cultural center in partnership with local charter schools to focus on Hawaiian culture and plantation history.

Collaborate with (cultural practitioners) to include activities like poi pounding, lauhala weaving, and throw net.

Form partnerships with foundations, Native Hawaiian Organizations, Edith Kanakaʻole Foundation, kumu hula, spiritual leaders, and hotels to support these initiatives.

Engage ʻōpio (youth) in our decision making practices and hana (work).

Develop elderly housing projects near the Waiākea Peninsula.

Better evacuation preparedness with Civil Defense.

Participants demonstrated a strong commitment to collaboration to advance a collective vision. This approach emphasizes partnerships in environmental sustainability, cultural preservation, and community development, ensuring a sustainable and historically rich future.

As a result of my participation in the Design Lab, I intend to invite new partners to my "table" I tried something new and as a result I am more open to trying new approaches/programs in other work environments.

Agree

91% 5% Does Not Apply

Disagree

4%

Constant flow of water from mauna to kai.

Natural disasters, climate change and sea level rise.

Lack of support for disaster evacuation, especially with increasing untrained tourists.

Political bureaucracy and government restrictions.

Land ownership.

Help and housing for folks who are homeless.

Willingness to holomua. To see a cultural center in action!

Bringing back our Hawaiian culture.

Even amidst factors outside our control, a strong sense of hope persists. This narrative acknowledges the unchangeable aspects of nature and the complexities of systemic challenges.

At the close of each Design Lab, we asked each participant to offer one word of hope or advice that emerged from their sculpture to guide us forward. The word cloud above is a compilation of common themes shared.

I would want this entire sculpture to emerge and come to life. Water flowing constantly from mauna to kai and a thriving Hawaiʻi grounded in kuanaʻike Hawaiʻi with the help of government, community ʻōpio, kūpuna, and other cultures.

- Maliaonani Silva-Meeken

MAHALO TO OUR PARTICIPANTS

Participants By Generation

Alan Okinaka, Anna Liu, Carlos Kabua, Craig Nakamoto, Dinnie Kysar, Don

Silent Generation

4.3%

Millenials

8.7%

Generation Z

8.7%

Inouye, George Applegate, Gordon Heit, Herbert Wilson, Hōkūlani Fortunato, Joan Gossett, Joy Dillon, K.T. Cannon-Eger, Kawehi Stevens, Kehau Costa, Kendall Kelson, Kerry Green, Laura Acasio, Leila Beals, Leslie Perry, Linda Nako, Lorraine Shin, Lorna Larsen-Jeyte, Maliaonani Silva-Meeken, Matthias Kusch, Melody Khodabandeh, Michael Yee, Myles Ritchie, Nathan Cristophol,

Boomer Generation 43.5% Generation X

34.8%

Ninamarie Bell, Nimr Tamimi, Pohai Montague-Mullins, State Representative Richard Onishi, Rose Hatori, Ryan Tam, Sean Naleimaile, Sery Berhanu, Su Champeny, Terri Napeʻahi, Tiana Klask, Wendy Botelho, Winston Welch.

Participants By Ethnicity

Participants By District: Hilo Puna Kaʻū Kona North Hawaiʻi Islandwide Not from Hawaiʻi Island

44.4% 13.9% 2.8% 5.6% 2.8% 25.0% 5.6%

Non-Native Hawaiian

74%

Native Hawaiian

26%

Prior to the Design Labs, we asked each participant about their most cherished memory of the Waiākea Peninsula: As a child I came here with my parents and enjoyed this place more than any other place we stayed at. We bought property here in Pāhoa and now my wife and I come here several times a year and stay at our home and see the old place where we both stayed as children and would love to see this property come back to life. If we can have any part in it then we would be honored.

- Anthony Delarm

I am born and raised in Hilo and have so many memories as a child paddling canoe in Reeds Bay and Bay Front. My fondest memory is paddling to Coconut Island and having one person hold the waʻa on the sand while we jump off the tower and then paddle back to practice like we went to the buoy and back! Or even all day BBQing with the entire family on Coconut Island was a normal weekend activity as well!

- Napualani Puniwai

Being in Liliʻuokalani Gardens on the night of a full moon tide when all the paths go underwater and the fish graze in the lawn.

- Susan Champeny

My fondest memories of Banyan Drive was in the days when one would be able to spend an entire evening visiting many of the hotels, all of which would provide entertainment.

- Kawehi Stevens

The entire area was a solid playground for us during childhood. Reeds Bay, Ice Pond, Coconut Island all supported weekend adventures.

- Curtis Sharp

I grew up in Hilo and would always visit Mokuola and Ice Pond growing up. It was always fun to travel between the two parks and explore the coastline between.

- Jacob Kackley

For more than 50 years, my ʻohana were caretakers of the land. I spent the first 9 years of my life here.

- Lilinoe Keliʻipio-Young

BELONGING

7

“In this painting, I wanted to portray the importance of the history through the image of King Kamehameha leading paddlers from the past into the present. There's also the heiau and other beautiful imagery of what was here before. I try to keep it fresh in our minds to inspire our future plans.

I've also included Kū, the spirit of the deep forest, to show how rich our land is, from breadfruit to big banyan and palm trees. This adds to the feeling of freshness and keeps the greenery alive. The sea life is in there too, from fish to seahorses, showing how much life there is in the ocean.

I also painted people holding hands representing us working together as a community, and the importance of multiple minds coming together to overcome any obstacle. There's also a plane which represents visitors, making them feel welcome and educating them on what’s happening in the area. Teaching them about our vibrant culture and history.”

ART FELLOWSHIP

ABOUT THE ARTIST

With the goal of creating a prototype mural design, Vibrant

Kerry Green, a native of Brooklyn, New York,

Hawaiʻi invited Art Fellows to document each of the Design

with roots tracing back to the vibrant heritage

Labs through painting and song, symbolizing the

of Barbados, has been a creative force in the

community's collective hopes and dreams for the Waiākea

art world for over three decades. Now co-

Peninsula. The Vibrant Hawaiʻi Art Fellowship

founder of Moonsun Art Gallery and inspired

(vibranthawaii.org/economy) focuses on leveraging the arts

by Hawaiʻi's picturesque landscapes, Kerry

to promote community healing and well-being. This program

conveys a profound liberation in his artistry.

engages artists to enhance community resilience and support

Merging pen and ink, and acrylic on wood

social cohesion. It encourages local artists to create artworks

and paper, his pieces offer glimpses into his

that celebrate cultural diversity and foster stronger

meditative journeys and the visions fueling

community bonds.

his creative spirit.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

COMMON GROUND

Ninamarie Bell is a Hawaiʻi-based singer-songwriter penning songs best described as dreamy, drifty folk made for gently stirring the heart, or perhaps as a soundtrack to moments under a soft ray of golden sunlight. Born, raised, and residing on Moku o Keawe (Hawaiʻi island, Kona), Ninamarie approaches art as medicine. In her music she speaks to reflective themes begging introspection, a common focal point in her work.

White sands no more Kings land to peoples shores Heiau stones and taro patches turned to concrete slabs Let's remember these roots as we build our future plans Let us be the hope Let us be the hope

“Mahalo nui for allowing me to be a part of this space and absorb. I learned so much about my home in this session. The song that I’ve been working on has been infused with all of your manaʻo, emotions, intentions, and plans of action.“

Lyrics and composition by Ninamarie Bell / 2023

Take your broken paddles Let’s turn this path around What we can’t see matters What’s lost can still be found If we step back and look for Our common ground A place of family ties Healing waters shine Gather under big old banyans coming back to life Though we come from many minds the same heart leads our fight Let us be the hope Let us be the hope Take your broken paddles Let’s turn this path around What we don’t know matters Let’s listen til it’s found If we step back and look for Our common ground Oh in these waves and ways I learn to gently lose my mind I was once a hungry thing just keeping me alive Now I’ve grown to give myself away in famine times Scan the QR And the land revives, while I receive code to listen to The people thrive the recording Take your broken paddles Let’s turn this path around What we can’t see matters What’s lost can still be found If we step back and look for Our common ground

How can community members take action to contribute to the vision? ʻĀina Restoration Projects

Revitalize Hawaiian Culture

Genki Balls: Pond restoration using microorganisms

Edith Kanakaʻole Foundation

Learn more: www.facebook.com/friendsofliliuokalanigardens/

Learn more: https://edithkanakaolefoundation.org/

Contact: ktcannoneger@gmail.com

Contact: ekf@edithkanakaolefoundation.org

Beautification

Hui Hoʻoleimaluō

Learn more: Beautification Sundays with Aunty Lei (Article)

Learn more: https://www.huihooleimaluo.com/

URL: https://bigislandpulse.com/featured/beautification-sundays-

Contact: hooleimaluo@gmail.com

with-aunty-lei/ Learn more: Big Island Events Calendar Hilo Town Clean Up

ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian Language) Learn more: https://kanaeokana.net/olelo

Mural Project To Sponsor or Paint a Mural Panel Contact: sue.leeloy@hawaiicounty.gov

Join A Group Friends of Historic Banyan Drive Contact: kawehi_stevens@yahoo.com or sally.volcano@gmail.com Friends of Liliʻuokalani Gardens Website: https://www.facebook.com/friendsofliliuokalanigardens/ Contact: ktcannoneger@gmail.com Hilo Bayfront Trails Learn more here: https://hilobayfronttrails.org/ Contact Info: hilobayfronttrails@gmail.com

ʻUlana Lauhala (Lauhala Weaving) ʻAha Pūhala O Puna meets every second Saturday of the month, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM at the Wailoa Art Center (2024 location).

Contact: ahapuhala@gmail.com Hālau Hula Learn more: https://kahikilaulani.wixsite.com/kahikilaulanihome Contact: kahikilaulani@gmail.com or (808) 935-8878 Lei Hulu (Feather Lei) Hilo - Meets every Saturday, at 1:00 PM in person and on Zoom.

Keaʻau Community Center meets every Wed. 8:00 - 11:30 AM. Contact: pjsbookkeeping101@gmail.com or makanaohaililanir@gmail.com

County Council Member Sue Lee Loy County Council Member for Hawaiʻi's 3rd District, which includes includes Keaukaha, Pana‘ewa, Waiākea and Kea‘au.

Website: https://www.hawaiicounty.gov/ Email: sue.leeloy@hawaiicounty.gov County Council Member Jennifer Kagiwada County Council Member for Hawaiʻi's 2nd District, which includes Waiākea Uka, Kaumana, Mauna Kea and Pohakuloa.

Website: https://www.hawaiicounty.gov/ Email: jennifer.kagiwada@hawaiicounty.gov Representative Richard Onishi Serves State House District 2, Hilo, Hawai'i. Onishi is currently a member on Consumer Protection and Commerce Committee (CPC), Transportation Committee (TRN), and Housing Committee (HSG).

Website: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/home.aspx?member=106&year=2024 Email: reponishi@capitol.hawaii.gov Representative Chris Todd Currently in his fourth term representing House District 3 which includes includes Keaukaha, Pana‘ewa, Waiākea and Kea‘au.

Website: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/home.aspx?member=137&year=2024 Email: reptodd@capitol.hawaii.gov Representative Mark Nakashima Member of the Hawaii House of Representatives, representing District 1 which includes Hāmākua.

Website: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/home.aspx?member=101&year=2024 Email: repnakashima@capitol.hawaii.gov

Senator Lorraine Inouye Serves as the representative for Hawaiʻi's 1st District, which includes areas of Hilo, Pauka‘a, Papaikou, and Pepe‘ekeo.

Website: capitol.hawaii.gov/legislature/memberpage.aspx?member=181&year=2024 Email: seninouye@capitol.hawaii.gov Friends of Liliʻuokalani Gardens Dedicated to nurturing a 24-acre cultural landscape through maintenance, capital improvements, and organizing events.

Website: https://us-japanesegardens.com/tag/friends-of-liliuokalani-gardens/ Email: ktcannoneger@gmail.com Friends of Historic Banyan Drive Advocates for a green, clean and beautiful Banyan Drive.

Email: kawehi_stevens@yahoo.com or sally.volcano@gmail.com Banyan Drive Business Association Email: mpickett@castleresorts.com East Hawaiʻi Outdoor Circle Dedicated to maintaining the cleanliness, greenness, and beauty of Hawaiʻi through the preservation, protection, and enhancement of the environment​.

Website: outdoorcircle.org Email: mail@outdoorcircle.org Banyan Drive Hawaiʻi Redevelopment Agency County agency given authority by Hawaiʻi Revised Statues, Chapter 53 and Hawaiʻi County Council Resolution No. 481-16.

Email: planning@hawaiicounty.gov Hawaiʻi Visitor's and Convention Bureau Aims to enrich Hawaiʻi and its people, with a vision to attract visitors who will leave this place better than when they arrived.

Website: hvcb.org Email: islandofhawaii@hvcb.org

Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority The Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority is a state agency charged with managing tourism for the Hawaiian Islands' benefit, focusing on supporting tourism's diverse advantages for residents while addressing its impacts on communities statewide.

Website: https://www.hawaiitourismauthority.org/ Email: Ilihia.Gionson@gohta.net State of Hawaiʻi Board of Land and Natural Resources Overseeing land leases and conservation applications with public input during bi-monthly meetings.

Website: dlnr.hawaii.gov/board-commisions/blnr-board/ Email: dlnr@hawaii.gov State of Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources Dedicated to managing, administering, and exercising control over public lands, water resources and streams, ocean waters, coastal areas, minerals, and other natural resources of the State of Hawaiʻi.

Website: dlnr.hawaii.gov Email: dlnr.testimony@hawaii.gov Hilo Bayfront Trails A nonprofit organization comprised of volunteer community members dedicated to the implementation of complete trail network extending from and connecting to the Bayfront and Hilo Downtown area.

Website: https://hilobayfronttrails.org/ Email: hilobayfronttrails@gmail.com

Vibrant Hawaiʻi Waiākea Peninsula Design Lab Report | 2023 www.vibranthawaii.org contact@vibranthawaii.org (808) 731-4249 230 Kekūanaoʻa Street, Hilo, Hawaiʻi, 96720 Vibrant Hawaiʻi is a 501 (c)3 designated organization.

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