Courtesy of DLNR State officials said today that demolition of Uncle Billy’s Hilo Bay Hotel on Banyan Drive is underway.
1/3 Courtesy of DLNR State officials said today that demolition of Uncle Billy’s Hilo Bay Hotel on Banyan Drive is underway.
Courtesy of DLNR State officials said today that demolition of Uncle Billy’s Hilo Bay Hotel on Banyan Drive is underway.
2/3 Courtesy of DLNR State officials said today that demolition of Uncle Billy’s Hilo Bay Hotel on Banyan Drive is underway.
Courtesy of DLNR State officials said today that demolition of Uncle Billy’s Hilo Bay Hotel on Banyan Drive is underway.
3/3 Courtesy of DLNR State officials said today that demolition of Uncle Billy’s Hilo Bay Hotel on Banyan Drive is underway.
Courtesy of DLNR State officials said today that demolition of Uncle Billy’s Hilo Bay Hotel on Banyan Drive is underway.
Courtesy of DLNR State officials said today that demolition of Uncle Billy’s Hilo Bay Hotel on Banyan Drive is underway.
Courtesy of DLNR State officials said today that demolition of Uncle Billy’s Hilo Bay Hotel on Banyan Drive is underway.
State officials said today that the demolition of Uncle Billy’s Hilo Bay Hotel on Banyan Drive is underway, marking the end of an era.
The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources said the wooden lobby and restaurant were demolished weeks ago, while demolition of the first of two concrete hotel wings began Monday morning.
Despite some setbacks on Monday – including a parked car in a closed area of a neighboring hotel and an excavator malfunction – construction workers were ultimately able to proceed. Officials say demolition will continue until the dilapidated hotel is razed.
“Barring further disruptions, both wings are expected to be grounded within a month,” DLNR said in a news release.
The property was built in the late 1960s by William J. “Uncle Billy” Kimi Jr. was once a famous hotel with 146 rooms, but became an eyesore due to deferred maintenance and repairs.
It stopped operating in June 2017 and was condemned by Hawaii County that year for its deterioration. After the lease expired, the state became owner of the hotel.
The property then becomes a target for burglaries, squatters, vandalism and arson, leading to various laws.
DLNR attempted to grant a lease for the renovation or demolition of Uncle Billy’s, but could never agree to terms with the state or private developers, and the demolition was.
An emergency proclamation issued by Gov. Josh Green last year cleared the way for Phase 1 of the demolition project, which included asbestos removal, according to DLNR. Phase 2 involves removing the paved parts of the property and any contaminated soil.
“I would like to recognize the progress made a year ago in addressing a public health and safety hazard, complaints, unauthorized occupants and significant community frustrations,” DLNR President Dawn Chang said in a news release. “This could not have happened without the governor’s emergency proclamation and the cooperation of the state and Hawaii County.”
Chang said Hilo-based contractor Isemoto Contracting has remained on schedule and within the state budget for the demolition project.
Officials said the future use of the parcel on which the hotel sits has yet to be determined.
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