The Hawai`i Main Street program provides assistance for communities to revitalize the economies of their business districts while maintaining the historic character and heritage of their towns.

The Hawai`i Main Street Council supports the network of Hawai`i's small towns in their pursuit of economic development and community revitalization within the context of historic preservation. The program's four-point approach of organization, promotion, design and economic restructuring helps stimulate business activity which complements cultural traditions and lifestyles to assure the future of local communities.

For a town or community to participate in the Hawai`i Main Street Program, some of the required elements include:

• a well-defined, centralized business or residential district with discernible boundaries, creating an area that is marketable and manageable in terms of achieving the Main Street program objectives;
• substantial historic fabric within its program boundaries as evidenced by an inventory listing the town's history, its landmarks, archaeological sites, unique architectural features and structures, and other historically or culturally significant resources of national, state or local prominence;
• existence of community interest in, and support of, preservation as a tool for economic revitalization;
• an interest in networking with existing business and/or community entities, or in organizing a new entity, specifically for this revitalization effort;
• a minimum of 10 businesses or similar activities located within program boundaries.

Questions about Main Street in Hawai`i? E-mail SHPD. Interested parties can also contact the following Main Street representatives directly.

Visit the National Main Street
world wide web site!

Return to SHPD Homepage