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Posted: Friday, October 19th, 2012 9:04 AM HST

Discussion on new event center put on hold

By Ken Hupp - 67AM KPUA News

A bill to provide design money for a proposed new event center in Hilo is on hold at the request of the bill’s sponsor. Hilo Councilman Donald Ikeda asked the Council Finance Committee this week to delay discussion, while he corrects language in the bill, which seeks $500,000 for the facility that would seat between 8,000 and 10,000. Ikeda says the center would be a good economic development opportunity. “I believe it will open us up for different events, and we will bring in people to the community,” Ikeda said. “I know right now we don’t have enough hotels, but I think if we have a constant flow of people around that people will get innovative.” Ikeda predicts the center would lead to more bed and breakfast operations and could result in additional or improved hotel accommodations and more hostels. The bill could come up again for discussion as early as November 8th. Content for this story was provided by Big Island Video News.