Council to mull plan to create botanical garden at Rainbow Falls

George Yokoyama says he first got the idea of a botanical garden at Rainbow Falls 20 years ago while observing the arrival of visitors from his office at the Hawaii County Economic Opportunity Council across the street.

After taking in the view, he noticed many leave quickly to other island destinations, and he saw an opportunity.

“I figure this is a gold mine if we give them time to spend money,” said Yokoyama, the former longtime director of the nonprofit organization and now its resource mobilizer.

A garden showcasing Hawaii’s native plants could be the attraction to get them to spend more time at the park, he thought. And, with a suggested $5 donation, it could be a money maker for the organization, helping to fund its programs for low-income residents.

Yokoyama said the idea didn’t come to fruition because he couldn’t secure land from the state or county, but that could soon change.

The County Council will today consider authorizing the county to negotiate a 10-year lease with the organization for 2.263 acres of land for the garden and a visitor center adjacent to the park.

He said it will start with a pavilion that could host hula performances. If approved by the council, Yokoyama said he is hopeful to have that portion complete in September or October.

The total price tag for the project is estimated at $2 million, and he said he has received $329,000 in state funds for the first phase. Another $141,000 is pending with a private foundation, and an application has been filed for $800,000 in federal grants.

Yokoyama said he has counted hundreds and some days more than a thousand people stopping at Rainbow Falls, and he is confident it will be able to pay for itself.

“The people are there,” he said.

“All they have to do is use it.”

Email Tom Callis at tcallis@hawaiitribune-herald.com.