East Hawai‘i Cultural Center’s Native Plant Revitalization Project

For over 40 years, the historic former courthouse and police station in downtown Hilo has been home to the East Hawai‘i Cultural Center (EHCC), a nonprofit arts organization serving Hilo’s creative community since 1969. On the ground floor, galleries and exhibition spaces showcase the work of local and international contemporary artists while upstairs, an intimate 100-seat theater hosts performances, film screenings, lectures, and poetry readings. Constructed in 1932 and listed on the National and Hawai‘i Registers of Historic Places, the iconic two-story structure on Kalākaua Street has anchored Hilo’s town square since the Territorial Era.

Over the years, the paint on the front lanai started to crumble as invasive species steadily overtook the surrounding landscape, prompting EHCC to embark on a transformative landscaping project in 2023, with a grant from HHF’s Hilo Preservation & Beautification Program. EHCC’s Native Plant Revitalization Project aimed to beautify and revitalize the grounds by reintroducing native plants and providing educational resources for visitors and passersby.

The new Native Plant Garden was officially unveiled at Center’s Native Plant Pā‘ina on May 18, a celebration that brought together over 150 people with performances of oli and hula, ‘ukulele music, local food, keiki activities, and information about native plants. Designed in partnership with Laulima Nature Center, master gardener Yoga Ida Bagus and artists Sculptural Accents, the garden features native kalo, hāpu‘u, pōhinahina, tī plants, naupaka, and kupukupu ferns in planter boxes, gracefully spanning the building’s front facade.

“As you know, how something looks on the outside matters. The improvement of our outside grounds has already changed how people feel about EHCC—from our staff to volunteers to visitors. ~Laurie Rich, Executive Director, East Hawai‘i Cultural Center

Rich continues, “The improvement of our outside grounds has already changed how people feel about EHCC—from our staff to volunteers to visitors. Our staff and volunteers have a renewed sense of pride in the space and our visitors are more likely to come inside because the outside looks inviting. Not to mention how enthused and excited all of our collaborating partners are! It’s been wonderful to be in community with folks all wanting to see this project literally come to life.”

Plants were selected in consultation with Laulima Nature Center, which also shared the history and cultural significance represented by each species. This information was incorporated into sculptural “garden stakes” crafted by local artists and paired with interpretive signage identifying each plant and indicating its medicinal, food and cultural uses. QR codes are also included on each sign, an interactive feature that allows for deeper engagement and brings the EHCC mission of art education out of the building so that anyone passing by has an opportunity to learn.

The revitalization of the front steps and the overall improvement of the center’s appearance have enhanced EHCC’s curb appeal, making it more attractive to passersby and contributing to a cleaner and more beautiful environment.

“The grant support has been instrumental in making this transformation possible, providing the resources needed to carry out the project and realize EHCC’s vision.”  ~Laurie Rich, Executive Director, East Hawai‘i Cultural Center

In addition to beautifying the grounds, by reintroducing native Hawaiian plants and removing invasive species, the project also contributes to the sustainability and cultural significance of EHCC’s landscape, benefiting visitors, students, and the broader community.

Learn more about the Native Plant Garden HERE.