First two panels of mural installed at former Uncle Billy’s site in Hilo

Nine months after Hawaiʻi Gov. Josh Green signed the first emergency proclamation for demolition of the former Uncle Billy’s Hilo Bay Hotel on Banyan Drive in Hilo, the first two panels of a community mural were installed this week on the construction dust fence.

The mural aims to honor the area’s rich history and highlight the community’s ongoing dedication to shaping the future of the Waiākea Peninsula.

Funds for the project were made available by Hawaiʻi County Councilwoman Sue Lee Loy, who represents the Banyan Drive area.

“With the blessing of [Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources] Chair Dawn Chang, the design labs conducted by Vibrant Hawaiʻi and the spring break participants at the Island of Hawaiʻi YMCA, we are hopeful this can symbolize our community’s collective and ignite a new generation of connection and kuleana for the broader Hilo area,” said Lee Loy.

Staff from the Island of Hawaiʻi YMCA and keiki contributed their handprints to the mural, laying the foundation for the project.

“This project came at a perfect time; our Spring Break Program focused on peace and it allowed the keiki and staff to be part of a positive message for Banyan Drive,” said Island of Hawaiʻi YMCA CEO Wendy Botelho.

The mural’s design incorporates foliage that once adorned the peninsula and its surroundings, adding depth and texture to the children’s handprints, said local artist Beckie Marshall. A motif of double ti lei is depicted at the bottom of the panels.

Marshall explained that the imagery symbolizes the naming of Hilo by Kamehameha I.

The twisting of two ti lei represents the intertwining of the past and future. The red color signifies the past, while the green represents the future, highlighting the importance of blending the lessons of history with aspirations for the future.

“I’m excited and encourage other community groups and organizations to come be part of this ongoing mural project,” Lee Loy said. “This mural brings to life the community’s shared memories, vision, action to supporting stewardship, Hawaiian culture revitalization and community-building expressed in the Design Lab report.”

Click here to view the design lab report.

Isemoto Contracting Co. of Hilo helped put up the panels. The company is handling the demolition project. Hazard abatement and demolition at the former hotel site are scheduled to be completed by November 2024.