Council sets public hearing and postpones action on Downtown Hilo business improvement district

Councilmembers introduced Bill 230 on Nov. 16, which would establish a Downtown Hilo Business Improvement District (BID) assessing up to $500 per parcel for 183 parcels to fund downtown infrastructure, safety and sanitation services. Committee members and the county clerk explained exhibits A–C (development plan, map and list of affected properties) are essential for proper notice and for property owners to be able to file protests under Chapter 35 of the County Code.

Committee and clerk staff recommended setting the statutorily required public hearing window now to start notice timelines; the council moved to convene the hearing on Feb. 7 in accordance with County Code section 35-12. Members also agreed to postpone further action and to return to the December 21 meeting so staff can amend exhibits and prepare accurate notice lists. Councilmember Chang emphasized the need for accurate property-owner lists and noted the measure could fail if sufficient protests are filed at the public hearing.

The council approved the motion to set the public hearing by voice vote, then voted to postpone additional action to allow exhibit C (the list of affected parcels and property owners) to be completed and properly included in any future amendments and notices.