Officers from the three law enforcement agencies took part in a sweep of the abandoned Uncle Billy’s Hotel and Resort in Hilo on Wednesday, arresting two individuals on outstanding warrants and citing 10 others for trespassing.

What You Need To Know

  • The operation was carried out by three dozen officers representing the Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement, the Hawaii Police Department and the state Sheriff Division shortly after 6 a.m.

  • Used as an illegal shelter by squatters, the three-story building has been the subject of previous sweeps and was damaged by fire last year.

  • Officers wearing N-95 protective masks and protective shoe coverings found rubbish, human waste, graffiti hanging wires and trip hazards as they spend a half-hour clearing squatters from the building

  •  The department is seeking $12.5 million in general funds from the legislature to demolish the former hotel

The operation was carried out by three dozen officers representing the Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement, the Hawaii Police Department and the state Sheriff Division shortly after 6 a.m.

Uncle Billy’s closed in 2017 and was later condemned due to unsafe and unsanitary conditions. Used as an illegal shelter by squatters, the three-story building has been the subject of previous sweeps and was damaged by fire last year.

Officers wearing N-95 protective masks and protective shoe coverings found rubbish, human waste, graffiti, hanging wires and trip hazards as they spent a half-hour clearing squatters from the building.

“We deeply appreciate the assistance and coordination with Hawaii County Police and State Sheriff’s to conduct a safe operation in a very unsafe place,” DOCARE chief Jason Redulla said in a statement released Wednesday. “We can’t stress strongly enough that anyone staying in Uncle Billy’s is subjecting themselves to serious injury due to obstructions, hanging wires, filthy conditions and fire. We hope anyone contemplating returning will take this into consideration.”

Last year, DLNR released $1 million in special funds to plan the demolition of the 146-room structure. The department is seeking $12.5 million in general funds from the legislature to carry out the demolition.

DLNR pays more than $9,000 per month for contracted security services during nighttime hours. With funding for the demolition still pending, the department said it is considering adding additional security measures, including perimeter fencing and lighting, to discourage trespassers.

Michael Tsai covers local and state politics for Spectrum News Hawaii. Email him at michael.tsai@charter.com