Take part in revitalizing Chinatown in big community cleanup this weekend
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Chinatown has come a long way since the most challenging days of the Coronavirus pandemic but there is always work to do.
The city and Chinese Chamber of Commerce has been focused on revitalizing the once robust neighborhood and bring an economic revival.
Hundreds of volunteers are coming together Saturday morning to pitch in and clean up the neighborhood.
”Currently, we have more than 200 volunteers from the community signed up to participate. They will be picking up litter along the sidewalks and roads, and painting over graffiti on buildings, bridges and traffic control boxes,” said Sarah Moy, president of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii.
While volunteers are cleaning up, they’re encouraged to support Chinatown businesses by making a purchase. At the end of the cleanup, shoppers can bring their receipt from any Chinatown business to Murphy’s Bar and Grill for a chance to win one of six $50 gift certificates.
“How many bananas and papayas can you sell to survive?” asked Wes Fong, Hawaii Chinese Chamber of Commerce’s Chinatown Outreach Task Force Chairperson. “We hope that these type of initiatives, especially like the cleanup, and what the city’s doing, and what the chamber’s doing, will help the merchants.”
“You know if I had one dream for Chinatown, I’d like to make Chinatown a tourist destination just like Waikiki, you know because Chinatown is not only rich in culture, it’s very rich in history and heritage in Hawaii. We’re one of the oldest and largest Chinatown’s in the United States, we have a lot to offer,” Fong explained.
“And to me, if anything, Chinatown is the heart of Honolulu.”
Moy said she’s grateful for the partnerships that help to make everything happen.
”We want to thank Don Murphy from Murphy’s Bar & Grill for all they do. We are also grateful for our partnership with the City & County of Honolulu, along with support from Coldwell Banker, City Mill, HomeStreet Bank, American Savings Bank, Finance Factors, Panda Express, Murphy’s Bar & Grill and Pepsi Co.,” added Moy.
Efforts to curb crime and tackle homelessness in the area are still ongoing.
The cleanup is from 9 a.m. to noon. Tasks include picking up litter along the sidewalks and roads, and painting over graffiti.
If you’re interested in participating in the cleanup, pre-register by emailing info@chinesechamber.com.
Here are some instructions when crafting your email:
- Put “Chinatown Cleanup” in the subject line
- Include your name and the number of people participating with you in your email
Volunteers can check in and pick up supplies between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. at the Chinese Chamber of Commerce office at 8 South King St.
For more information on the cleanup or to get involved with the Chinese Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, click here.
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