HONOLULU (KHON2) -- New specialty trash bins were installed at Kuhio Beach Park on Tuesday morning in hopes of replacing a daily eye-sore in Waikiki.
JTB Hawaii, the Waikiki Business Improvement District, the Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation and Mayor Rick Blangiardi unveiled the first of 26 specialty trash cans to be installed.
"The first goal is to prevent litter from entering into the ocean or flying throughout the park. I think the second goal was to be part of that solution of reducing crime. you hear about this broke window theory that if something looks kind of crummy and has graffiti on it and is broken, that's gonna attract a certain type of behavior," said Trevor Abarzua from the Waikiki Business Improvement District.
The unveiling ceremony fronted the status of Duke Kahanamoku, where the first decorated rubbish bins will be installed.
Mayor Blangiardi spoke of the importance of public-private partnerships towards maintaining the moment achieved by the Waikiki Safe and Sound program, which has effectively reduced crime in most categories of the neighborhood.
"Our administration has focused heavily on providing equity to public spaces all around Oahu and this kind of public-private partnership is exactly what we needed to help us in Waikiki," said Blangiardi. "These trash cans are a very good reminder of the collaborative effort needed to help ensure safer and cleaner streets for the thousands of visitors who arrive on our shores each year."
The donation of the 30 upgraded waste bins and accompanying artwork by JTB Hawaii was approved by the Honolulu City Council back in February. The donation is in appreciation to the community for the company's 60th-year anniversary milestone in Hawaii.
The installation of the remaining trash cans throughout Kuhio Beach Park is expected to be completed in time for JTB Hawaii's annual community service project, "JTB Brighter Earth Project," which will consist of clean-up efforts at Kuhio Beach Park and Kapiolani Park on July 13.