About Us
Better Block Hawaii is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization focused on improving Hawaii’s neighborhoods through placemaking projects and civic engagement. Part of the national Better Block Foundation network, our uniquely Hawaii-based approach empowers local communities through the values of equity, resilience, and culture.
Current Goals & Initiatives
Foster long-term wealth within local communities through neighborhood-level initiatives and improvements.
Improve the street-level experience and provide food resources for the Lihue, Kauai community through multi-faceted, community-led projects around the Rice Street corridor.
Address Hawaii’s affordable housing shortage by establishing formal designation as a Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO), with the larger goal of creating affordable rental housing for local people.
Better Block, Then and Now
In 2010, concerned citizens in Dallas, Texas dedicated a weekend and took over their blighted block, painting bike lanes, coordinating pop-up food markets and retailers, and creating a beer garden.
They called their experiment “Better Block,” which allowed the community to brainstorm and learn together, ultimately transforming their neighborhood with the creation of vibrant public spaces. This idea of a “Better Block” quickly spread to surrounding neighborhoods and eventually to cities across the globe.
In 2013, Better Block Hawaii was formed and kicked off our first project—a “Complete Streets” demonstration on Cooke Street in Kakaako. Through the temporary installation of street furniture, public art, shading, vegetation, improved signage, bulb-outs, and more, the project made the street safer and more inviting to walk and bike, as well as providing a rare opportunity for citizens to experience the Complete Streets vision first-hand.
Today Better Block Hawaii has expanded its reach, facilitating projects across the state with a wide range of community and government partners. Looking towards the future, we are currently in the process of becoming a Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO), enabling us to apply for funding from the HOME Investment Partnership Program for the purposes of owning, developing, or sponsoring affordable rental housing. These efforts are part of our commitment to address Hawaii’s affordable housing shortage.
Our Team
WEI FANG
ABBEY SEITZ
DANIEL SIMONICH
JUSTIN MENINA