Frequently Asked Questions (faqs)

Who is CBCA?

Chinatown Business & Community Association (CBCA) was founded in March 2009 and registered with the DCCA by a concerned group of businesses, residents and community leaders active in the Chinatown community with the full support and guidance of our Councilman Rod Tam and the Mayor's administration.

It is a grass roots organization organized to work with other government & social agencies to address the serious issues affecting the daily lives of people living, working, shopping and visiting Chinatown.

What do we do?

By working with relevant public and private agencies, CBCA seeks more immediate resolutions to the increasing crime rate in Chinatown such as burglaries, muggings, and drug dealings. It also seeks long term solutions to our increasing homeless population, the mentally ill, the lack of public toilets and insufficient street parking.

CBCA seeks to preserve the historical character of Chinatown, promote business growth and cultural diversity and improve the quality of life in our community.

What is Our Vision?

"With your support and participation, we hope to transform Chinatown into a model community, which will be a shining jewel and a source of pride for all of Hawaii."

What is Our Motto?

Why should you join and support CBCA?

By joining together we have a stronger voice, a stronger presence and will be better able to seek the attention of Government agencies & other social agencies and community based groups. It is also easier for these various Government agencies, social agencies and community groups to work with us as a united front. Together we have the strength and organizational power to make important changes to our Chinatown community.

What benefits do I get as a CBCA member?

As a member, you belong to a vibrant active group of people who shares the same common goals you do - a safer, thriving, growing Chinatown where family and friends can enjoy eating, shopping and living in a clean and bustling Chinatown - a Chinatown much like San Francisco, New York and Los Angeles where there is night market, night life and lots of happy tourists who enjoy the cultural diversity of our Chinatowns.

As a member, you have input into the running of CBCA - your ideas as well as the ideas of other members will direct the course of action and projects for Chinatown - for example, we can seek Government grants to do certain projects, maybe have monthly Night Markets, have special "Bargain Days" for shoppers to bring them to Chinatown, have a regular CBCA newsletter promoting businesses and restaurants in Chinatown, or highlighting unique shops, people and happenings in Chinatown. It is all up to you as members of CBCA to provide ideas and implement these ideas into concrete projects - it is up to you as members to ensure that the mission & vision of CBCA continue - "Protecting Our Chinatown Community"

How can CBCA help me?

As members, you can get help from CBCA on any number of issues such as:

     How do I work with HPD concerning crimes? HPD has a Community Policing detail - they will work with community.

     How do I report a crime?

     How do I get help dealing with the mentally ill who sleeps in my door way? CBCA will direct your problem(s) to the right agency to handle these issues.

     How do I get help from our Councilman, State Representatives and Neighborhood Board?

     How do I get help dealing with City and State issues affecting my business and home?

CBCA intends to provide and maintain a hotline to connect you with the relevant Government and social agencies to help you.

How can CBCA help with Language access?

CBCA has a part-time staffer who speaks English, Mandarin and Cantonese who can help, we also have team members who speaks Vietnamese. As members you can choose to be communicated in Chinese, English or Vietnamese.