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Hilo Memorial Hospital Renovation

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This photo shows the front and entry to the old Hilo Memorial Hospital at 34 Rainbow Drive in Hilo

Project Summary

The Office of Housing and Community Development (OHCD) is leading the renovation of the old Hilo Memorial Hospital at 34 Rainbow Drive in South Hilo. Built in the 1920s, the facility sits on nearly 25 acres owned by the State and managed by the County of Hawaiʻi through Executive Order. It currently hosts the 44-bed Keolahou emergency shelter and the 17-bed Hale Kulike permanent supportive housing program operated by HOPE Services Hawaiʻi Inc.

The first phase of work includes re-roofing, safe removal of hazardous materials and selective removal of invasive trees near the building to prevent water retention at the building foundation or damage from roots and falling branches.

This work will be followed by selective electrical and mechanical work (such as fire sprinkler, fire alarms and elevator system, and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance), selective restoration and replacement of interior windows to seal the building, new flooring, repairing exterior finishes, and exterior painting.

The renovation supports a broader vision to establish a multi-agency service hub at 34 Rainbow Drive, aimed at reducing homelessness among individuals and couples in Hilo and East Hawaiʻi. Programs will focus on transitioning people from emergency shelter to permanent or affordable housing. For more information on master planning for 34 Rainbow Drive, click here.

Project Status

An environmental assessment covering the renovations and overall master plan for the existing hospital and overall site received a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) determination on April 23, 2024.

OHCD issued an Invitation for Bid (IFB) for the initial phase of renovation work on August 4, 2025. View media release here.

In July 2025, the OHCD selected SSFM International as the construction project manager. 

Funding Sources

This work is supported in part by $16.6 million in federal Community Planning and Development grants secured by U.S. Senators Mazie Hirono and Brian Schatz.

• Resolution 384-23/Bill 111: Accepting $13,000,000 of federally derived funds for the Hilo Memorial Hospital project
• Resolution 59-25/Bill 19: Accepting $3,600,000 of federally derived funds for the Hilo Memorial Hospital project

  • This photo shows the front and entry to the old Hilo Memorial Hospital at 34 Rainbow Drive in Hilo

    Hilo Memorial Hospital Renovation

    The Office of Housing and Community Development (OHCD) is leading the renovation of the old Hilo Memorial Hospital at 34 Rainbow Drive in South Hilo. Built in the 1920s, the facility sits on nearly 25 acres owned by the State and managed by the County of Hawaiʻi through Executive Order.

  • This photo shows the front entry to the old Hilo Memorial Hospital at 34 Rainbow Drive in Hilo

    Hilo Memorial Hospital Renovation

    The Office of Housing and Community Development (OHCD) is leading the renovation of the old Hilo Memorial Hospital at 34 Rainbow Drive in South Hilo. Built in the 1920s, the facility sits on nearly 25 acres owned by the State and managed by the County of Hawaiʻi through Executive Order.

  • Kristin Alice and Kali French of HOPE Services Hawaiʻi; Reps. Kristin Kahaloa (HD6), Sue Keohokapu-Lee Loy (HD2), Chris Todd (HD3), Matthias Kusch (HD1), and Nadine Nakamura (HD15); and County of Hawaiʻi Housing Administrator Kehaulani Costa during a July 2025 tour of Hilo Memorial Hospital.

    Lawmakers Tour Hilo Memorial Hospital

    From left: Kristin Alice, HOPE Services Hawaiʻi director of community relations; Kali French, HOPE Services Hawaiʻi COO; Rep. Kristin Kahaloa (HD6); Rep. Sue L. Keohokapu-Lee Loy (HD2); Rep. Chris Todd (HD3); Rep. Matthias Kusch (HD1); House Speaker Rep. Nadine Nakamura (HD15); and Office of Housing and Community Development Housing Administrator Kehaulani Costa talk story during a tour in July 2025 of the Hilo Memorial Hospital.

  • An aerial image of the Hilo Memorial Hospital campus and 34 Rainbow Drive parcel in Hilo.

    Hilo Memorial Hospital Renovation

    The Office of Housing and Community Development (OHCD) is leading the renovation of the old Hilo Memorial Hospital at 34 Rainbow Drive in South Hilo. Built in the 1920s, the facility sits on nearly 25 acres owned by the State and managed by the County of Hawaiʻi through Executive Order.

  • An aerial image of the Hilo Memorial Hospital campus and 34 Rainbow Drive parcel in Hilo.

    Hilo Memorial Hospital Renovation

    The Office of Housing and Community Development (OHCD) is leading the renovation of the old Hilo Memorial Hospital at 34 Rainbow Drive in South Hilo. Built in the 1920s, the facility sits on nearly 25 acres owned by the State and managed by the County of Hawaiʻi through Executive Order.

Additional Resources

• County of Hawaiʻi Issues Invitation for Bid for Hilo Memorial Hospital Renovation Project (media release issued 8/6/2025)
• Final Environmental Assessment (published 4/23/2024)
• Draft Environmental Assessment (published 3/8/2024)
• 34 Rainbow Drive Property Master Plan StoryMap
• Open House Planned for 34 Rainbow Drive Site Improvements (media release issued 8/29/2023)
• Executive Order No. 3773

Resources Related to Currently Operating Programs at Hilo Memorial Hospital

• Hale Kulike permanent supportive housing and Keolahou emergency shelter awarded Homelessness and Housing Fund FY 2024-25 grant to support ongoing programs (media release issued 1/31/2025)
• Homelessness and Housing Fund FY 2023-24 grant supports ongoing programs at Hale Kulike and Keolahou (media release issued 12/5/2023)
• HOPE Services receives FY 2022-23 Homelessness and Housing Fund grant to support Hale Kulike permanent supportive housing and Keolahou emergency shelter programs (Resolution 61-23 approved March 22, 2023)