Background

The Waikiki Business Improvement District Association (WBIDA), comprised of assessed property owners and tenants, was formed to manage the BID in September 2000. WBIDA is a dynamic nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation dedicated to making Waikiki a great place in which to invest, work, live and play. As a major stakeholder in Waikiki, the association works in partnership with business and government to develop and implement programs that will strengthen the physical and economic vitality of Waikiki and help maintain its position as a world class resort destination. WBIDA thus developed two service programs - Streetscape Maintenance and Security/Hospitality - which were launched in March 2001.

Many took part in the precedent-setting process of creating the Waikiki Business Improvement District: the City administration, which recognized the success of the BID concept in other municipalities and supported it for Waikiki; the Honolulu Police Department (HPD), which made the Waikiki Business Improvement District a priority in conjunction with its community policing program; the Honolulu Prosecutor's Office, in its continuing efforts to establish a tie-in with community courts; the Honolulu City Council, which worked to craft a bill that would not only meet the needs of Waikiki, but also be adaptable to other communities throughout the island; and the Waikiki Improvement Association, which spearheaded the process.

Enabling Legislation

State of Hawaii, HRS 46-80 Relating to Special Improvement Districts

Revised Ordinances of Honolulu 1990: Chapter 36 Special Improvement Districts

 

WBIDA Timeline

May 1999

• HRS 46-80 Relating to Special Improvement Districts passed be the State Legislature and signed into law.

April 2000

• Ordinance No. 00-13 authorizing the establishment of special improvement districts in the City and County of Honolulu, passed by City Council and signed into law.

May 2000

• Waikiki Improvement Association Public Information Meetings on the proposed Waikiki Business Improvement District held.

June 2000

• Ordinance No. 00-40 authorizing the establishment of Hawaii's first special improvement district (Waikiki Business Improvement District No. 1) passed by City Council and signed into law, with the support of the Waikiki business community.

July 1, 2000

• First Waikiki BID fiscal year begins.

September 13, 2000

• Waikiki Business Improvement District Association established.

September 29, 2000

• Waikiki BID FY 2001 assessments issued.

October 31, 2000

• Inaugural Membership Meeting of the WBIDA held; Board of Directors elected.

November 13, 2000

• First meeting of the WBIDA Board of Directors held; officers elected.

February 2001

• Waikiki BID Service Contracts awarded.

March 8, 2001

• Streetscape services begin.

March 15, 2001

• Waikiki BID Inaugural Launch
• Security/Hospitality Services, Phase I begins.

May 1, 2001

• Security/Hospitality Services, Phase II begins.
  

 

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