HILO, Hawaii — DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement officers will patrol the dilapidated and potentially dangerous former site of Uncle Billy’s Hilo Bay Hotel 24/7 to ensure people stay out of the building, according to a news release.   

What You Need To Know

  • Uncle Billy’s closed in 2017 and was later condemned

  • The closed hotel has been used by squatters and was the site of a fire last year

  • On Friday, DLNR officials removed vegetation around the hotel so a fence can be constructed around it

  • DLNR is working toward demolishing the building

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

“We’ve asked people repeatedly not to enter or occupy the abandoned building for their own safety. That’s even more important now that suspected asbestos has been discovered,” said Department of Land and Natural Resources Chair Dawn Chang. 

A hazardous material survey consultant’s findings showed suspected asbestos in the dilapidated building. Contractors will be required to remove hazardous material before demolishing the building. According to DLNR, asbestos remediation will not significantly delay timelines to demolish the building.

This summer, a fence was constructed around the dilapidated building to stop the continued illegal occupation of the site. However, several breaches of the fence have already occurred and require repairs.

“For everyone’s safety, we urge people to stay out of the building and to not expose themselves or first responders to the unsafe conditions there,” said Chang.

On Friday, Hawaii Gov. Josh Green extended an emergency proclamation signed in July that allows the state to demolish the dilapidated building. The second emergency proclamation extends the disaster emergency relief period from July 18, 2023, until Nov. 13, 2023. 

In order to demolish Uncle Billy’s, this year the Legislature appropriated $8 million in reimbursable general obligation bonds funds that DLNR will pay back over time with interest. Chang said removing the building would ease safety concerns and allow the site to be revitalized for economic development or recreational opportunities.