Committee forwards $3.6 million for Old Hilo Hospital design; members debate long‑term costs

The Finance Committee voted to forward Resolution 59-25, which authorizes the mayor to accept $3.6 million in federal funds for assessment, design, repairs and renovation of the Old Hilo Hospital (34 Rainbow Drive, South Hilo), and companion Bill 19, which would appropriate the $3.6 million to the Old Hilo Hospital project account.

Kehau Acosta, Hawaii County housing administrator, said the $3.6 million is in addition to $13 million in congressional funding the county previously received, which together would further renovation of the 50,000‑square‑foot facility. “The Mauka side of the building is currently being utilized by Hope Services under contract, to provide emergency shelter and permanent supportive housing. The MacKay side, which needs considerable renovation, there is a reso for long term lease for BISAC to do a treatment facility there,” Acosta said.

Committee members pressed staff on total costs and long‑term strategy. Councilmember Kimball said she opposes further investment and argued that renovating the aging building (she and others cited lead, asbestos and water damage) could be a poor long‑term investment; she said the county was “very close to halfway” to a new‑build cost when federal funds are included. Councilmember Galimba and others noted the site’s master plan and the potential to use surrounding acreage for expanded services. Several members asked for a financial and project overview to be provided to council.

On a roll call for Resolution 59-25, the clerk recorded the following: Councilmember Galimba — Aye; Councilmember Inaba — Aye; Councilmember Kagiwada — Aye; Councilmember Kurkowitz — Aye; Councilmember Kimball — No; Councilmember Onishi — Aye; Councilmember Villegas — Aye; Vice Chair Eustace — Aye. The clerk announced the motion carries with seven votes in favor, one vote against (Kimball) and Councilmember Connolly Lee Klinefelter absent.

For Bill 19 (the companion appropriation), the clerk reported the motion to forward carried; the clerk announced the committee vote result as six ayes, Councilmember Kimball opposed, and noted some council members were absent for that vote. Both measures will go to the full County Council for final action.

Votes at a glance: Resolution 59-25 — forwarded to council with a favorable recommendation (7 ayes, 1 no, 1 absent). Bill 19 — companion appropriation forwarded to council (clerk announced 6 ayes; Kimball opposed; absences noted).