An evaluation committee, comprised of members of the Hawai‘i County Banyan Drive Hawai‘i  Redevelopment Agency, the state Department of Business, Economic Development and  Tourism, and DLNR representatives are reviewing proposals for the renovation of two Banyan Drive properties that were submitted in response to a Request for Proposals (RFP), published in August 2020.

The announcement on the Selection for Proposals for Banyan Drive Properties, which involves the renovations of the former Uncle Billy’s Hilo Bay Hotel and Country Club Condominium Hotel, is expected in April 2021.

Once the evaluation committee selects proposals for the two properties, the DLNR will present the selections to the Board of Land and Natural Resources for review. If the Board approves the selections, the next step will be to negotiate development agreements and new leases for the properties. 

In a press release, DLNR Chair Suzanne Case said, “we believe that the renovation of the properties under new long-term leases, as with previously renovated hotels on the peninsula, will contribute greatly to the revitalization of Banyan Drive, making it a destination for residents and tourists alike.”