Through a partnership with preservation funders, Historic Hawai‘i Foundation has established a new grant program to support preservation and beautification projects in historic Downtown Hilo on Hawai‘i Island.
The Hilo Preservation Program provides grants for the preservation, rehabilitation, restoration and beautification of historically-significant buildings and structures located in the core downtown area of Hilo. The program supports historic preservation as a mechanism for building community, enhancing Hawaii’s sense of place, and support for improved societal relationships.
The overall goal is to support projects that improve the appearance and longevity of Hilo’s historic waterfront and downtown area.
The next grant deadline is February 15, 2024. See attached for grant applications and submittal instructions.
Hilo Preservation and Beautification Program Overview
VIEW OVERVIEWMahalo to these past grant recipients who are helping to preserve Hilo’s townscape.
Aloha Information Station (c.1990)
The Aloha Information Station is a small kiosk located in the parking lot next to the Hilo Downtown bus terminal in Mo‘oheau Park that provides brochures, maps and information about attractions in Hilo and around the Island of Hawai‘i. The grant project enabled repair of termite damage, repair and replacement of windows, door, and gutters as well as complete repainting.
Calica Building (1946)
The Calica Building at 46 Mamo Street offers commercial/retail space to local businesses. Prior to World War II, Mamo Street was described by many as the “Times Square of Hilo” hosting entertainment, shop and restaurant venues with mixed use work/live buildings. The upper façade and roof were repaired with this grant support.
Central Christian Church (1892, 1914)
Central Christian Church is located at 109 Haili Street and is a stop on the Hilo Downtown Improvement Association’s Historic Hilo Walking Tour. The church celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2016 and continues to play an important role in the community as a meeting place for many local organizations. Grant funds were used for termite treatment, stained glass window repair and repairs to the building’s doors, gutters, sidewalk and property fence.
Kaikodo Building (1910)
The Kaikodo Building at 64 Keawe Street is a 28,000 square foot construction built of reinforced concrete in the Renaissance Revival style. It was completed about the same time as the Volcano Block and S. Hata buildings within a few blocks in downtown Hilo, based on a sketch by freemason William McKay (1841-1909). Grant funds were used to repaint the building’s rear façade.
Palace Theater (1925)
The largest downtown venue in Hilo, the historic Palace Theater is a beloved cultural link to the past. It was placed on the State and National Registers of Historic Places in 1992. The theater is a showcase for Hawaiʻi’s performing artists, local and international filmmakers and community-based, multi-cultural events. Grant funds will be used for façade and marquee rehabilitation.