Renovations start at old Hilo hospital
Renovations have begun at the former Hilo Memorial Hospital.
The work is part of an effort by the 91直播 County Office of Housing and Community Development to establish a coordinated resource hub focused on housing stabilization, workforce readiness, behavioral health and wraparound services.
The project is located at 34 Rainbow Drive.
Diede Construction Inc. was selected as the low bidder, with a contract award of $8.03 million. Work is expected to take approximately 12 months to complete, according to a county press release.
“This is an important step forward for our island,” Mayor Kimo Alameda said in the press release. “While projects of this scale take time, each phase brings us closer to a coordinated space where people can access housing support, services and pathways to stability.”
Phase one includes re-roofing the main structure, removal of hazardous materials, and selective removal of invasive trees to protect the building foundation.
Subsequent phases will address upgrades to electrical and mechanical systems, ADA improvements, interior renovations, and exterior repairs, which will prepare the building for tenant improvements and eventual program occupancy, according to the county.
The first and future phases are supported by $16.6 million in federal grants secured by U.S. Sens. Brian Schatz and Mazie Hirono.
Built in the 1920s, the facility sits on nearly 25 acres owned by the state and managed by the county through executive order.
Additional information about the project can be found on the OHCD website at www.housing.hawaiicounty.gov.
