Part of the former Hilo Memorial Hospital is being renovated, and Hawaii County is collecting feedback about the future development of 20 acres surrounding the facility.
The need for more housing and health services were priorities expressed by community members and stakeholders at a May 15 meeting discussing potential uses for the old hospital property located at 34 Rainbow Drive.
But some neighbors expressed concerns about possible disruptions caused by expansion at the site.
“Some community members voiced concerns about disruptive behavior, including from people suffering from mental health crises,” said Brandee Menino, director of HOPE Services, which currently operates two housing programs out of the existing structure on the property. “I think this illustrates how desperately our community needs to increase the level of services that can help folks get off the streets and into a safe place where they can get the help they need.”
The old hospital opened in 1897 and occupies roughly five acres of the 25-acre site.
“About six dozen people attended (the meeting), providing input on what they’d like to see and not see occur on the property,” said Susan Kunz, housing administrator for the Hawaii County Office of Housing and Community Development, which is responsible for the planning, administration and operation of the space. “To encourage a wide-ranging discussion, no concepts or ideas were presented by the planner or county beyond basic information and topographic details for the site.”
A master plan for development of the site will focus on the 20 acres surrounding the existing structure and will not impact current services.
Separate renovations are taking place in the existing building that will be completed in early 2025, according to Kunz.
“The county’s first obligation in the renovation of the old Hilo Memorial Hospital building encompasses reroofing the facility and selective interior demolition,” she said, adding the renovations are supported by federal funds.
HOPE Services currently operates the Keolahou shelter and assessment center out of the old hospital building.
Launched in 2019, the 44-bed capacity shelter offers emergency beds, case management and other resources for men.
“This is the only emergency, temporary shelter for men in Hilo,” Menino said. “These include eight beds specific for houseless veterans and five beds for men who are exiting the hospital and need additional time to recover from their illnesses or injuries.”
HOPE Services also operates Hale Kulike out of the top floor of the building, which is a support program for single men that provides 18 private rooms with shared restrooms, showers, and kitchens.
The space also hosts HIV screenings, smoking cessation programs, hepatitis vaccinations, employment services and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings with the help of other community partners.
The Big Island Substance Abuse Council, or BISAC, also leases space in the building, but has not moved in yet.
“We do have a long-term lease with the county. However, we aren’t even in there yet because of the renovations,” said Executive Director Dr. Hannah Preston-Pita. “We’re just assuming it’s going to be another two to three years.”
BISAC plans on providing services related to substance use and mental health, including stabilization beds and a potential detox center.
“We’re looking at exploring more detox options because there’s nothing on the island,” Preston-Pita said. “We’re thinking of just a full continuum of care.”
Both HOPE Services and BISAC plan to stay in the building following the renovations and development of the surrounding area.
Renee Rivera is a former HOPE Services client who attended the meeting. She now teaches at Hawaii Community College and runs a nonprofit organization for women reentering the community after incarceration.
“When looking at homeless people with mental health issues like myself, I ask you to remember that I am someone’s daughter and someone’s mother with a story that deserves to be heard,” she said. “Now, I’m housed and healthy. Let’s help others do the same.”
Fung Associates Inc. is the firm in charge of of the renovations, and will partner with PBR Hawaii Associates Inc. to draft an environmental assessment and conceptual schemes for the surrounding land.
An official master plan for the 20 acres is expected by late 2023, and a follow-up community meeting will take place this summer.
Additional input on the site can be submitted in writing to PBR Hawaii at srosario@pbrhawaii.com.
Email Grant Phillips at gphillips@hawaiitribune-herald.com.