Full Breakdown
Revitalizing Hilo’s Banyan Drive: Legislative Efforts and Community Concerns
2/20/2026, 5:04:21 AM
Decline of a Historic Tourist District
Banyan Drive in Hilo, once a vibrant tourist destination, has faced significant decline over the past decade. The picturesque Waiakea peninsula, known for its iconic banyan trees, has seen its infrastructure deteriorate, with rotting trees, derelict buildings, and rising sea levels threatening the area. Local lawmakers, including State Senator Lorraine Inouye and State Representative Sue Keohokapu-Lee Loy, are advocating for revitalization efforts, emphasizing the need for immediate action to preserve the annual Merrie Monarch festival, which is crucial for local businesses.
Legislative Proposals for Revitalization
In response to the area's decline, legislators have introduced five bills aimed at addressing the challenges facing Banyan Drive. One significant proposal includes the construction of a hotel at Hilo’s airport to alleviate housing shortages during the Merrie Monarch festival. Keohokapu-Lee Loy argues that this hotel could provide economic relief while longer-term redevelopment efforts are underway. The state’s Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) has been criticized for its slow response to redevelopment, as its mission often conflicts with economic development goals.
Community Engagement and Redevelopment Challenges
The Banyan Drive Redevelopment Agency, established in 2016, has struggled to make progress due to a lack of staff and funding. Its board has rarely met since 2019, limiting its effectiveness in advocating for community concerns. Local residents have expressed frustration over the area’s safety, citing incidents of crime and homelessness. Diane Des-Champs, a longtime resident, lamented the loss of the area’s former vibrancy, stating, “It’s sad... the nightclub we used to go to, it’s falling apart.”
New Approaches to Development
Keohokapu-Lee Loy is co-sponsoring House Bill 2616, which aims to create a Banyan Drive-Makaoku Community Development district. This bill seeks to involve local stakeholders in the redevelopment process, addressing community and cultural needs that previous efforts have overlooked. The bill has received support from DLNR, which acknowledges the potential for a more collaborative approach to redevelopment.
The Role of Local Government
Hawai‘i Island Mayor Kimo Alameda has prioritized the revitalization of Banyan Drive since taking office in 2025. He aims to establish an agreement with the state for the county to maintain and develop walking paths in the area. Alameda has also initiated tree assessments and maintenance to improve safety and aesthetics. He emphasized the importance of momentum in revitalization efforts, stating, “If I’m not the person for the next term, at least we’ve gotten the momentum for that person to take the baton and finish it off.”
Future Prospects and Community Input
As legislative efforts progress, there is hope for a mid-size hotel at the airport to be operational within two years, which could provide immediate economic relief. Keohokapu-Lee Loy believes that this is a pivotal moment for Hilo, stating, “This is the time to pivot and look at opportunities where we can complement the desire of more economy in Hilo.” The success of these initiatives will depend on effective community engagement and collaboration among local stakeholders, ensuring that the revitalization of Banyan Drive reflects the needs and aspirations of its residents.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Honolulu has been waiting for years to get the Merrie Monarch festival,” — State Senator Lorraine Inouye
- “The hotel my brother and I stayed in looks pretty depleted. The nightclub we used to go to, it’s falling apart.” — Diane Des-Champs, Longtime Resident
- “If I’m not the person for the next term, at least we’ve gotten the momentum for that person to take the baton and finish it off.” — Mayor Kimo Alameda
- “and look at opportunities where we can complement the desire of more economy in Hilo.” — State Representative Sue Keohokapu-Lee Loy
