Hilo Preservation and Beautification Grant Program

Hilo Preservation and Beautification Grant Program

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Historic Hawai'i Foundation
Amount: US $10,000 - US $100,000
Last Updated: March 23, 2026

Summary

The Hilo Preservation and Beautification Grant Program, established by the Historic Hawai‘i Foundation, aims to support the preservation and enhancement of historically significant buildings in Downtown Hilo, Hawai‘i. With grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, the program encourages community involvement in preserving the unique architectural heritage and cultural identity of the area, fostering a sense of place and improving local societal relationships. Approximately ten grants are awarded annually, promoting sustainable practices in historic preservation.

Overview

About HHF Historic Hawai‘i Foundation has a passion for telling stories about people, history and culture through the celebration of historic buildings and communities. HHF explores, preserves and nurtures diverse cultural and historic places and perspectives of Hawai‘i by working to ensure that the heritage of every historical era remains as part of the communities’ civic treasuries as a living, useful part of the present. A statewide non-profit organization, Historic Hawai‘i Foundation encourages the preservation of historic buildings, sites and communities relating to the history of Hawai‘i. Founded in 1974 by concerned citizens who saw the need to protect the Islands’ irreplaceable historic and cultural legacy from destruction, Historic Hawai‘i Foundation has become the driving force behind preservation in the state through its core programs of developing a community ethic of historic preservation, supporting smart legislation, and providing direct assistance to make preservation accessible. Through strong partnerships with public, private and non-profit organizations, HHF helps to unleash critical local energy. Together, we protect the essential character of Hawai‘i. Appreciation of this rich and layered inheritance will translate into the public will to take meaningful action to preserve and use historic places. As public awareness increases, community members are motivated to recognize and protect the places that they love. There is an ever-increasing appreciation of the ways that the sites, communities and buildings that reflect the past continue to be living parts of the present. They are gifts that current generations leave for the future. The heritage of Hawai‘i is worth preserving. By joining Historic Hawai‘i Foundation today, you too can help protect the places that matter. Historic Downtown Hilo, Hawai'i Island The town of Hilo on Hawai‘i Island is located in proximity to Hilo Bay on the northeast coast, within the ahupuaʻa of Waiākea and Puʻueo. The importance of sugar cultivation and processing in the developmental history of Hilo cannot be overstated. Some forty plantations and mills operating throughout Hāmākua, the Hilo area, and Puna starting in about 1880 contributed significantly to Hilo's economy, and drove the growth of the town. After 1913, Hilo was the primary shipping point for most sugar produced in these areas. Even plantations that lightered or trolleyed their sugar directly out from the mill ‐ without going through Hilo ‐ contributed to its economy by trading with merchants in the town, receiving goods there, and providing wages to workers who often spent money there. By 1914, just after the opening of the full Hawaii Consolidated Railway line, the town was centered on a several block area adjacent to the Wailuku River with a street along the bayfront to an area at the Waiākea River and the shoreline that held a wharf. By 1921, the town had expanded in all directions, extending up Waiānuenue Avenue, mauka of the bayfront, and into the Waiākea Peninsula and beyond Reed's Bay to the new wharf near the base of the breakwater. The breakwater was developed in sections, as funding became available, and was completed in 1930. Kūhiō Wharf (Pier 1), built in 1916 near the base of the breakwater, included a conveyor for bagged sugar. Two more wharfs and dredging followed, completed shortly before the breakwater. This combination of rail and wharf allowed Hilo Harbor to ship out an average of about 15% of the Territory’s production of sugar between 1925 and 1940. Hilo Preservation Grant Program 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. Funding Grants range from $10,000 to $100,000. Approximately 10 grants are expected to be awarded annually. Applications will be solicited two times per year. If an application is approved, 50% of the funds are provided upon project initiation and the remainder when the project is complete and the final report is accepted.

Eligibility

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