Aloha First Friday is still more than a week away, but East Hawaii residents have another opportunity today to take part in a free community block party.
Aloha First Friday is still more than a week away, but East Hawaii residents have another opportunity today to take part in a free community block party.
Hawaii Business Network is hosting its first-ever “Block Party Bash” from 3-7 p.m. at 834 Kilauea Ave. at Derby Lane. The event will include family festivities, food, live music and opportunities to explore more than two dozen local businesses in the area that event organizer Byron Yogi describes as a part of Hilo less-commonly frequented than downtown.
In April, Yogi opened a store on the block called Bedroom Needs &Things for LESS, which sells pre-owned mattresses among other furniture items. Yogi said business has been good, but he wanted to start an event that would bring exposure to some of the other businesses in the area, many that are new.
He said the block party will take place from Hoku Street to Chiefess Kapiolani Elementary School.
“Hilo has First Friday and that’s focused all on Downtown Hilo,” Yogi said. “And this area has a lot of new faces, so we just decided to highlight a different portion of Hilo. It will just be a fun neighborhood event.”
Email Kirsten Johnson at kjohnson@hawaiitribune-herald.com.