TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it will strengthen security and management at the Taiwan-owned Chinatown Cultural Plaza in Honolulu after Mayor Rick Blangiardi criticized the site for its deteriorating state and rising crime.
The Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported Sunday that the Chinatown Cultural Plaza has long fallen into disrepair and was a hub for crime, prompting Blangiardi to call it a “blight on our city.” He has sent multiple letters to President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) requesting that he address the issues with the facility after the city had urged action from Taiwan's representative office for several years.
Located in downtown Honolulu, the four-story complex was built in 1974 through the joint investment of six Chinese community organizations. In 1979, the Taiwan government took ownership of the property, with management handled by Longevity International Enterprises Corp.
In a letter Blangiardi sent to Lai in March 2025, he cited incidents in the plaza that included pedestrians being assaulted by homeless individuals, an elderly woman’s clothing set on fire by a group of delinquents, drug abuse in elevators, robberies, and illegal gambling. He said the poorly lit parking lot has also been the scene of thefts, vehicle break-ins, and assaults.
He said that because property is privately owned by a foreign government, the Honolulu Police Department cannot regularly patrol the interior.
The ministry told CNA that Taiwan takes the mayor's concerns seriously and has taken steps. The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Honolulu pledged to maintain contact with the Honolulu City Government and provide updates when appropriate.
Regarding local security, the ministry said it respects the local government’s authority to handle matters within its jurisdiction. It said the plaza itself is not the root cause of security problems, but has been affected by related incidents.
To fulfill its management responsibilities, the ministry said the plaza will review and strengthen its security and safety measures and cooperate with the Honolulu city government and community to maintain a safe and well-managed public environment.
The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office told the newspaper that it “attaches great importance” to redevelopment expectations and is forming a team of experts to assess proposals. Acknowledging the complexity of the issues involved, the office said it must act prudently.
The report noted that Honolulu has promoted a Chinatown revitalization plan in recent years, seeking to renovate the aging district. City officials hope Taiwan will participate in the reconstruction plan, envisioning the site rebranded as a “Taiwan Cultural Plaza."
