Hilo, Hawaiʻi — Governor Josh Green, M.D., has issued the Tenth Emergency Proclamation addressing the hazardous conditions at the abandoned Uncle Billy’s Hilo Bay Hotel, marking continued state efforts to mitigate risks posed by the deteriorating property.
Background
Uncle Billy’s Hilo Bay Hotel, a 146-room facility constructed between 1966 and 1970, ceased operations in June 2017. The property, located along Banyan Drive in Hilo, has since fallen into severe disrepair, creating significant public safety and environmental concerns. Structural decay, fire damage, hazardous materials, sewage overflow, and mold are among the issues plaguing the site.
Since the hotel’s closure, it has attracted trespassers and illegal activities, including drug use and fighting. Law enforcement and emergency services have responded to thousands of incidents in the area, with Hawaiʻi Police Department recording 6,479 calls for service between September 2018 and April 2023, costing an estimated $319,000 to $459,000.
Emergency Proclamation Details
Governor Green’s latest proclamation underscores the urgency of addressing the unsafe conditions and outlines the state’s plans to:
- Build a perimeter fence to secure the property.
- Demolish the hotel and remove hazardous materials, as repairs are deemed infeasible.
- Restore the site to mitigate public health and safety risks.
The proclamation allows for the suspension of specific state laws and regulations to expedite these efforts, including those related to historic preservation, environmental impact assessments, and procurement processes.
Public and Environmental Concerns
The abandoned hotel’s proximity to the ocean poses risks of pollution to coastal and groundwater systems. Additionally, the unsafe conditions endanger trespassers, nearby hotel patrons, and emergency responders.
State Response
This latest proclamation follows nine prior emergency declarations issued between July 2023 and October 2024. The disaster relief period will remain in effect through February 26, 2025, unless superseded or terminated earlier.
Governor Green emphasized that addressing the hazardous conditions at Uncle Billy’s Hilo Bay Hotel is critical to protecting public health, safety, and the environment.
For further information, visit the State of Hawaiʻi’s website or contact the Governor’s Office.
