The Liliha Town Welcome Center opened yesterday to hopes it will not only become a gathering place for residents, but an information hub for tourists who want to learn more about the historic community.

"We feel we have a real jewel in Liliha," said state Rep. Corinne Ching, whose district includes Liliha.

"What you're seeing here is a labor of love."

The tiny center, which sits next to a barber, is a one-stop shop for information about Liliha. It was opened with about $15,000 in private funds, which paid for the renovation of the building and the interior of the center. The office where the center operates is being offered at no rent.

Volunteers will staff the center and, eventually, lead tours through Liliha.

The project comes as community leaders and residents in Liliha are attempting to save the historic architecture and character of their neighborhood by billing it as a cultural tourism destination. They acknowledge that Liliha doesn't have beaches or breathtaking scenery to attract visitors. But it does have antique buildings, its own history and scores of mom-and-pop stores.

Ching sees the center as the first step in revitalizing Liliha.

About 20 residents attended the grand opening yesterday, and were optimistic about the future of Liliha. They say they've seen big businesses take over small ones at an alarming rate in their community, but hope the center and the promise of revitalization will save their community.

Ann Teixeira Hinch, 91, has lived in Liliha all her life.

She has fond memories of growing up there.

And she says that though time has treated Liliha harshly, there is still a lot to preserve: old homes, small businesses, well-loved green spaces. Her daughter, Darlyn Hinch, agreed. "It's the country in the city," she said. "I love it here."

Lorraine Minatoishi-Palumbo, an architect who has helped with the center, said the project is also aimed at attracting residents from outside the community. "It's a nice, dense community," she said yesterday.

Minatoishi-Palumbo added that the center is about attracting Hawai'i residents to visit Liliha, too. Once they see it as a place to visit, tourists will follow suit, she said.

Liliha launches its own tourist center

Reach Mary Vorsino at mvorsino@honoluluadvertiser.com.