HILO, Hawaii — Downtown Hilo business owners are being asked to oppose the pro-marijuana "cannabis college" that recently put up its shingle on Kamehameha Avenue.

"We need more attractive storefronts and positive community role models," states an anonymous, one-page letter that several shop owners said they received Tuesday.

A spray-painted sign displayed in the vacant storefront "gives a low first impression of our great city," the letter adds.

The "cannabis college" is on the ground floor of the Moses Building at 94 Kamehameha Ave. and is part of the THC Ministry, which has its headquarters on the second floor.

The Rev. Roger Christie, who runs the ministry and has rented space in the building for the past five years, removed the sign yesterday after being shown a copy of the letter.

One sign read "cannabis college," while on the floor was a second sign stating "cannabis cup," which is an international competition to select the most potent and desirable marijuana strain. Each sign was about 20 square feet.

Pro-marijuana literature also was posted on the windows.

"I've exceeded the comfort level of some in the community, and, for that, I apologize," Christie said. "I want to comfort this anonymous person. At the same time, I want to stay here."

Christie said the "college" was a one-day seminar held Oct. 3 as a way of trying to promote business in the former art gallery. Participants paid $100 to learn marijuana-growing techniques, he said.

Wanting to promote "ganja-nomics" as a way of improving the island's economy through greater use of cannabis, Christie said he's considering using the space for a marijuana museum, gift shop, weekend "college" and Sunday church services.

Whatever the operation, he vowed to display a sign that reflects the "beautiful nature of the neighborhood."

James Stoeckel, who owns Frame It! Hawaii Inc. on Waianuenue Avenue, said he has no problem with Christie's activity .

"To me, anybody who opens their mouth about marijuana is a good guy,[0x1d]" said Stoeckel, who said he's been a medical marijuana patient since the beginning of the program.

Janet Louise, owner of the Village Toy Shop next to Stoeckel's store, said she won't complain about the sign or activities.

"I don't like tacky signs, but I have no problem with Roger Christie," she said.

The Hawaii Island Chamber of Commerce is next door to Christie's ministry, but did not receive the letter opposing his operations, said Mary Begier, chamber president.

Begier said some people have asked her what she thinks of Christie's sign.

"It's their building, and it's a free country," she said.

Efforts to identify who wrote the letter were unsuccessful.

It didn't come from the Downtown Improvement Association, said Kauilani Perdomo, DIA administrative aide. "I don't really know anything about this," she said.