The second and final phase of the demolition of the former Uncle Billy’s Hilo Bay Hotel started this week.

Phase one, which was completed in December 2024, involved the demolition and removal of all aboveground structures.This second phase will focus on comprehensive site preparation at the ground level and below. This includes the removal of soil impacted by pesticides, the extraction of underground utilities, surface grading of the entire site and the placing of fresh topsoil and grass.

The second phase will prepare the site for future use, with completion anticipated in January 2026.

The DLNR Land Division awarded Isemoto Contracting Company with the general contract for this final phase of the project, with a total cost of $4.7 million.

The future use of the Uncle Billy’s Hotel site will be determined as part of the broader Waiakea Peninsula revitalization effort, being conducted by the Hawaiʻi Community Development Authority.

DLNR Photo