MAYOR HANNEMANN DEDICATES NEW STAGE AT FORT STREET MALL

(Mon., Nov. 16, 2009)—Mayor Mufi Hannemann and the Fort Street Mall Business Improvement District Association today announced the completion of a new stage at Wilcox Park, which will host musical and cultural performances and other public events.

            “This stage will be a focal point of the continuing renaissance in the vibrant Downtown and Chinatown areas, and a fun new resource for the community,” Hannemann said. “This project’s completion is an example of people coming together to solve problems, rather than just complaining and looking to someone else to provide the solution.”

            The stage replaced a vandalized and decrepit water feature in the park, which is located at the King Street end of Fort Street Mall.

            Fort Street BID President and Executive Director Gene Yokoi thanked Hannemann for his commitment to making partnerships with community groups successful.

            “This is in the spirit of what the mayor has been saying: public-private partnerships,” Yokoi said. “He’s walking the talk, and it’s happening.”

            City Parks and Recreation workers built the stage at minimal cost, and the BID added new landscaping in the surrounding areas to complete the package.

            A dedication ceremony today featured performers from Au’s Shaolin Arts Lion Dance, Hawaii Pacific University cheerleaders, and First Friday Entertainment.

            Father Gordon Combs of Our Lady of Peace Cathedral blessed the stage and said it will provide new opportunities for the community to share the gifts of entertainment and aloha.

            City Councilman Rod Tam said the stage will provide a fun and convenient venue to showcase the neighborhood’s talented artists and entertainers and to share cultural performances.

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Media contact: Bill Brennan, Mayor’s Office, 768-6928