A major arts institution in Hilo has a positive outlook on the future after a recent refresh supported by a Historic Hawai‘i Foundation grant through the Hilo Preservation and Beautification Program.

The East Hawai‘i Cultural Center (EHCC) is a culture and arts center that holds art exhibits, dramatic and musical performances, educational workshops and artist presentations from its historic building across from Kalākaua Park in downtown Hilo.

The arts center inhabits the former District Courthouse and Police Station. The buildings were constructed in 1932; the courts left in 1969 and the police department moved out in 1975. A group of art enthusiasts took on the lease in 1979 to form an arts center.  The property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. While the building is owned by the County of Hawai‘i, the facility management and preservation is the responsibility of EHCC.

Carol Walker, Vice Chair of the EHCC Board of Directors, served as the project manager.  The Hilo Preservation grant provided support for bee and termite fumigation, roof repairs to address leaks, repairs to the eaves so the original copper gutters can be reinstalled, and new signage.

Walker said that the project has been transformative for EHCC. “The grant proved to be a catalyst: armed with the vision that HHF had spurred us to create, and able tell potential funders that we were supported by HHF funds, we inspired other donors to contribute the funds needed to complete all six components and more,” Walker said.

“The Serendipity II Fund (a donor-advised fund administered by the Hawai’i Community Foundation) and Gamelan of the Molten Blossom (the community Indonesian music group at EHCC) donated money so that all structures on our grounds could be treated for termites at the same time. An anonymous donor pleased with our success at attracting HHF funds paid to repave our crumbling parking lot.  A grant request to AARP, based on the concept we had developed as part of seeking HHF funding, provided funds for our new modular, mobile theatre. Community and County Council contributions helped us to fund a much-needed fence to improve safety for our staff and patrons,” she said.

EHCC said that in addition to the benefits from the physical repairs and cosmetic improvements, the community engagement and excitement is also gratifying.

Walker explained, “While it’s hard to objectively measure, it is clear that there is ‘buzz’ surrounding our spruced-up appearance, which has been favorably noted by the community. More people are reaching out to us or returning our calls promptly when we contact them.  People make comments like, ‘I drive by EHCC on my way home, and I’ve noticed how much better the facility looks.’  If the old adage, ‘dress for the job you want, not the job you have’ can be applied to buildings, then EHCC is definitely now dressed for success.”

This article was originally published in the November 2021 issue of HHF’s Historic Hawai‘i News.

The East Hawai‘i Cultural Center offers an array of exhibits, classes and programs.  Please visit: https://www.ehcc.org.