HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0339.006 2022-2024 P GOEAc
(Res.!qct-23
CAMM.
Linda Nako
Hilo,Hawaii 96720
June 30,2023
Council Member Cindy Evans, Chair
Council Member Sue L.K.Lee Loy,Vice Chair
Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs
Office of the County Clerk
County of Hawai`is; y'
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo,HI 96720
RE: Support for Hawaii County Resolution No. 199-23
Dear Chair Evans,Vice-Chair Lee Loy,and Members of the Committee on Governmental
Operations and External Affairs,
I write in strong support of Hawai'i County Resolution No. 199-23 Draft 1,which urges the
honorable Governor Josh Green,M.D.,to issue an emergency proclamation to provide relief for
damages, losses,and suffering and to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the people
affected by the hazardous conditions at the property formerly known as Uncle Billy's Hilo Bay
Hotel. As President of Hawaii Island Visitor Bureau,Board Member for Destination Hilo,and
the Sales Manager at Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, swift action is necessary to address the pressing
issues at hand.
The Uncle Billy's/Hilo Bay property has long been a source of trouble and danger,posing
significant risks to the surrounding Banyan Drive Peninsula. Since hotel services ceased in June
2017,the property has experienced numerous fires, squatters,illegal activity, and security issues,
disrupting the surrounding community and an unnecessary strain on vital resources:
® The data provided by the Hawai'i Police Department and the Hawai'i Fire Department
highlights the substantial financial burden and public safety concerns associated with the
ongoing hazardous conditions. This report does not include the impact our community
suffers, during those times.
Comm. N 17AIo
Ref.Toa ®E RO
Ref.;Doi° J U L — 5 2023
• The additional costs incurred by surrounding business. For the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel:
o Elimination/securing access electrical access located on the Uncle Billys side of
the hotel was necessary due to unauthorized extension cords being plugged into
the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel's electrical outlets, leading into vacant building.
o Elimination/securing water spickets due to unauthorized water hose leading from
hotel/pool to vacant building
o Replacement of missing items such as poolside furniture. (few items were found
around the corner on the Uncle Billy's property)
o Excessive trash,human waste,drugs,paraphernalia consistently being found
between the hotel and vacant building.
• Lost business due to traffic to,from, and in vacant building. Shoreline across is located
adjacent to the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel's pool/sundeck and oceanside lawn. The vacant
building consists of several"wings"/sections of the building with open corridors to access
rooms within each section. The corridor of one of the"wings"are visible from the Hilo
Hawaiian Hotel and guest room balconies. Some guests stated they will not return...
o Harassment and solicitation has been reported by guests utilizing the
oceanside/pool areas by individuals accessing the Uncle Billy's area.
o Items thrown from the Uncle Billy's building landing onto the pool deck area
where guests were located. Hotel staff consistently has to deal with trash and
human waste found between the buildings.
o The condition of the building,noise,and the individuals who consistently enters
the building has created an unsafe environment for guests to see and hear during
their stay. Some guests have stated they will not return.
o Sanitization/odd smells (trash,human waste) coming from the building. Due to
the lack sanitation and disposal of waste,health concerns must be considered and
addressed. The smell will travel with the wind. You are able to smell the
"stench"at various times in different areas.
The current situation requires immediate attention and intervention, as the hazardous conditions
at the property endanger the well-being of the people in the surrounding area and impede our
community's economic recovery and resilience. An emergency proclamation by Governor Green
can provide much-needed relief to those affected and enable the removal of blighted properties
that create unsafe conditions. It would also pave the way for the redevelopment of the Banyan
Drive Peninsula,which is crucial for the long-term prosperity of Hawai'i County. It is an
opportunity to improve the area, stimulate economic growth,and ensure our community's health,
safety, and welfare.
Again,please support Resolution No. 199-23 Draft 1 to assist with the well-being and
revitalization of our community.
Sincerely,
411
-rAPTAPAIN
Linda +.• I r�