Waikīkī Beach Special Improvement District Association

The Waikīkī Beach Special Improvement District Association (WBSIDA) is a nonprofit organization established to preserve and restore Waikīkī Beach in Honolulu, Hawaii. Created by city ordinance on May 18, 2015, its mission is to enhance the quality of life in Waikīkī by ensuring coordinated management and long-term sustainability of the beach and nearshore waters[1][2].

Structure and Governance

WBSIDA is governed by a Board of Directors and an Executive Committee. The organization includes representatives from Waikīkī property owners, other stakeholders, and state and county government designees. It operates through a public-private partnership framework, a common model used across the United States for special improvement districts[1].

Funding and Tax Structure

The district funds its projects through assessments on commercial properties in Waikīkī. The area subject to these assessments spans from Ala Wai Harbor to the Kapahulu groin and from the Ala Wai Canal to the ocean. The tax rate is set annually and is based on the assessed property value. Historically, the tax rates have been adjusted to ensure they do not exceed a certain percentage increase per year[1].

Projects and Initiatives

WBSIDA focuses on projects that enhance the vitality of Waikīkī Beach and promote its sustainability. One of the initial projects included the replacement of the Royal Hawaiian Groin. The organization works in collaboration with government and private sectors to develop and implement programs that support beach restoration and management[1][2].

Collaboration with Other Organizations

WBSIDA collaborates with other organizations in Waikīkī, such as the Waikīkī Improvement Association (WIA) and the Waikīkī Business Improvement District (WBID), to address broader community needs. These partnerships contribute to maintaining a clean, safe, and vibrant resort area[3][4].