Although we live in paradise not all people are filled with the spirit of aloha. Shoplifting is a problem merchants face every day and can cost your business thousands of dollars each year. Educating yourself and your employees however, on the tactics and techniques used by shoplifters as well as taking some proactive measures can dramatically reduce the incidents of shoplifting.

Watch a funny British spoof on shoplifting

"The Volcano of Mauna Loa was giving a grand exhibition of Natural Pyrotechnics. The eruption is described as the most extensive which has taken place in these Islands. The last accounts fears were entertained that the beautiful town of Hilo would be destroyed by the molten river, which was coursing its way hitherward. The scene is described as one of awful sublimity and grandeur."
— The New York Times, April 28, 1852

It is only fitting that the first significant mention of Hilo in America's newspaper of record was of its impending doom.

Sharing space with three volcanoes, rocked by earthquakes, swamped by tidal waves, infested with diseased bugs, and under the very real threat of attack by a foreign power, the Hawaiian island town of Hilo has endured much hardship over the decades.

But what turned Hilo into a low-ranking destination for most mainland visitors was not a catastrophe, but something that happens every week, sometimes every day — the rain.

In Hilo, it rains a lot — about 129 inches a year. [ mostly at night, though…most days are sunny…]

As the holiday season is upon us, I know this is a very busy and hopefully lucrative time for your business. Unfortunately however, during the holiday season the incidents of theft and shoplifting increase. For this reason I want to share a helpful hint if you find your businesses the victim of a theft.

Many downtown merchants are now describing October 26 as Black Friday. This is a result of the well-intended enforcement of the county signage code by our DPW Enforcement Division. What was intended to be a correction of the abuse of sidewalk signage (sandwich boards, metal signage stands, etc.), statues, furniture and bulky products placed on our downtown sidewalks turned out to be a disturbing experience for a large number of good businesses. This is reminiscent of the Seinfeld episode where the iconic Soup Nazi roared “No Soup For You!” You recall the scenario where everyone in line was frozen in fear and no matter what was said, it was always the wrong words?

Citation with serious fines were summarily issued to merchants for violations ranging from printed awning protecting windows from harsh sunlight; “temporary” overhead banners; colorful wind-spinners in adjacent vacant lots; and a long list of other similar situations. Perhaps the Letter of the Law was enforced but the valid question was raised, “What is the Spirit of the Law?” It is certainly not, we hope, to bring businesses to their collective knees. Perhaps common sense, discretion and cooperation are the key words here.

Joining the Make a Difference Day this past Sunday, volunteers did a great job at the county parking lot on the corner of Keawe and Waianuenue Ave. The location has fallen upon neglect since the closing of the Kaikodo Restaurant, whose staff had adopted the lot as their weekly cleanup chore. Mahalo to the Rodgers for their past commitment to Make a Difference. The cleanup crew consisted of DIA staff members Sam Pulu’ole and Macario Balucan; volunteer Kalama Pulu’ole-Mitchell; and Mo’oheau “regulars” Alex Ho’okano and Wally Snedeker. A monthly downtown cleanup project by the Mo’oheau “regulars” is scheduled with additional volunteers expected to sign on.

On an ongoing annual project, the Rotary Gives Back Phase 2 beautification project is set for Saturday, NOV 3rd by the Rotary Club of Hilo and assisted by the Hilo DIA. This is an encore to their successful Phase 1 project last year, which was comprehensive and completed over several weekends as sidewalk planters were rejuvenated with new soil and plants, and painted. Project coordinators for this phase include Rotarian Steve Shropshire; and Bruce Hopper, Larry Black of the DIA committee. Rotarians Make a Difference in our community all year long and deserve a round of applause. How about a cheer and a “thumbs up” when you see them in action this Saturday.

For the last seven years the historic downtown Hilo district has hosted what is now called “Hilo’s biggest strolling party,” Black & White Night. This year will be no exception with over 70 businesses and organizations involved throughout town and thousands of people expected to attend. Produced by Alice Moon & Company and sponsored by POSH (People Out Supporting Hilo) the event is scheduled for Friday November 2 from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. 

Pele, Flossie and Peru. Three ladies caught our attention during The Week That Wasn’t. As you know, Hilo residents are resilient people with a history of enduring more than our share of natural disasters. “Can handle” is our usual reply to Mother Nature’s challenges. The bar was raised during the third week of August. Rattling earthquakes. An approaching killer hurricane. A tsunami alert jarring our collective memories. All of that compressed into four anxious days! That was not a week for the faint of heart.

Pele whispered in our collective ears on August 13, Monday night. Her flowing magma caused a 5.4 magnitude quake centered at Kalapana that rocked the Big Island at 7:38 pm, resulting in frightened residents but negligible damage. Nonetheless, it rattled homes throughout Hilo. Then on Wednesday morning at 2:23 am, a 4.3 earthquake beneath Kilauea volcano’s south flank woke some residents with no injuries or property damage reported. On Thursday two small-to-moderate earthquakes occurred at a 3.0 magnitude and were too small to generate tsunamis.

This month we talked story with two sisters and their friends at Sugawara Lauhala & Gift Shop. Located on Kalakaua Street right above the Kress Cinema, you can find Shizu and Tsune Sugawara enjoying what they have done for the past 47 years. What started out as a family business in 1962 has remained that way.

The Sugawaras sell their craft of authentic “Made in Hilo” lauhala products that include purses, baskets, coasters, fans, and “aloha birds” as well as amazing afghan blankets and hats knit by Shizu. Although age has stopped her from weaving lauhala hats for the store, each time I stopped in she was diligently knitting away right near the entrance.

To Hilo resident Ted Coombs, there comes a time in the growth of any community an art museum makes great sense, and the time for Hilo was now. So armed with an idea, a lofty goal (and little else) Coombs rounded up a group of people and founded the Hilo Art Museum.

That was on April 15th 2007, and just a few months later, the Hilo Art Museum opened its door, with a fledgling permanent collection featuring original art by Picasso, de Kooning, Salvador Dali, and many vibrant local artists.

Housed in the historic Hilo Iron Works Building fronting breathtaking Hilo Bay at 1266 Kamehameha Ave, the Hilo Art Museum (HAM) is a small museum with a big dream. An acorn, if you will. From this small beginning the vision is to become a world class museum, filled with an eclectic mix of world-class art pieces.

Future phenomenon: intra-malihini?

Pacific Business News (Honolulu) - July 20, 2007
by Howard Dicus

I want to make a prediction.

In 10 years, when most affluent Mainland baby boomers who want to retire to Hawaii already have bought their condos, the next big thing in Hawaii real estate will be Honolulu kamaaina forsaking Oahu for Neighbor Island locales, chief among them Hilo.

Two trends persuade me this will happen.