Some might wonder whose bright idea it was to hold a movie night at a park whose reputation has long been, well, shady.

But brothers Gifford and Kelfred Chang have no problem admitting this bright idea was theirs. In fact, it won them one of 10 awards in The Bright Ideas program launched by the mayor's Chinatown Summit last June

Among the proposals sent to the Hawai'i Arts Alliance, the Changs' idea appeared simple — "A Night at 'A'ala Park: Have an Asian ethnic movie night similar to Sunset on the Beach several times during the year, with Asian cultural groups encouraged to participate. Asian start-up companies to be showcased, food booths."

Sounds simple. But 'A'ala Park has long been seen as the site for many of the area's social ills, from homelessness to drugs and crime. These conditions have kept many families at bay for decades.

Thankfully, things are changing. The Chinatown area is undergoing a much-needed renaissance.

Mayor Mufi Hannemann awarded the Chinatown Merchants Association a check for $20,000 in seed money. And the Changs are donating $20,000 of their own money for the program.

Perhaps with public and private support and participation, when the credits roll on movie night at 'A'ala Park it will be something we can all be proud of.

Tonight's event begins at 7:30 p.m. and will feature two Jackie Chan movies.